Susan Ashley | + Follow Poet |
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Knots Between The Pearls

A strand of pearls not tied with knots;
we’re held together — just a thread.
At times like sticky spider silk 
and other times a shred of string 
that aches and breaks and throws our pearls across the floor.

The clatter  scatter  marble-mess
of all the dirt and hurts we pretty-wrapped.
Without the knots between the pearls, we 
come undone. On hands and knees 
we hunt and gather what’s to be restrung —

each dressed-up sphere once a naked tear
accumulated once again, 
this time to tie ourselves and beads in line
to knot together “could-have should-have” shrugs 
and form a diff’rent rope of pearls …or a noose
 
and in this space of rest — the screws between the pearls,
we plot a dream more fluff than faith before the cobweb breaks. 
No doubt, we’re dilettantes in love bites art of making-up.

Knots may keep us stranded 
but nots will keep us apart.

Copyright © Susan Ashley | Year Posted 2024

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Andrea Dietrich Date: 7/21/2024 12:37:00 AM You put a lot of thought and work into this. A well deserved win, my friend Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 7/21/2024 10:16:00 AM Dear Andrea, I appreciate you wonderful visit. This was an interesting topic to write on. Thank you for your lovely words. Your presence here brightens my day. Warmest wishes ,my friend.. ~Susan

Duke Beaufort Date: 6/30/2024 9:35:00 AM Susan, there is a lot to think about here. How do we hold everything together indeed? Love the use of the word, "stranded." We do sometimes need some time to be apart in order to get our own act together! You're making me smile! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/30/2024 9:44:00 AM Dear Duke, I relish your thoughtful response to my poem. Your insight is clear and deep. Thank you for sharing in the imagery and emotion of this piece with me. Your gracious visit makes me smile as well. Thank you again, my poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Valsa George Date: 6/25/2024 9:48:00 PM Holding the pearls together on a delicate string without ever breaking is rather impossible. But if broken , gathering the pearls strewn around and stringing them together again needs patience and commitment. That makes life truly meaningful . Dear Susan, how you have crossed the limits of the small circumference of a subject and plunged into the seamless sea of its vast possibilities. That is why I repeat, your poem keeps growing with every read, its meaning not fully exhausted. Life is a tight rope walk, a slight wavering or a thoughtless step can upset one's balance. If fallen, instead of lying down, spring back and keep moving is resilience. At the end of your poem what deep sagacity you have expressed. "Knots may keep us stranded but the nots will keep us apart." Your observation is so deep and true. This can be made an adage or epigram. This poem, I feel should have been placed higher. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/27/2024 6:42:00 AM Dearest Valsa, the power of your poetic perception is awe-inspiring. I'm amazed at your ability to delve through the layers of words and thoughts, imagery and metaphor to see to the heart, the center of my poem, like seeing the sun in the center of the blue sky.. you read my verse with deep clarity and express yourself on my poem's page with the same rich, lyrical, poetical style as your beautiful and profound poetry that I relish and cherish. Thank you for your uplifting comments. Your shining heart and poetry friendship are both relished and cherished too. Warmest wishes my sweet poetry friend.. ~Susan

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 6/10/2024 10:35:00 AM Susan my lovely friend and poetry sis what a clever, philosophical, masterfully written poem with mystique and excitement, you always have such depth and powerful meaning in your carefully chosen precious pearly words. We are just held together by a thread, for knots may keep us stranded - could this mean helplessness or hopelessness - symbolism is evident in your superb write dearest Susan. I wish you beautiful and sun and fun filled days for evermore. Much love and blessings galore, Jenn. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/12/2024 5:45:00 PM Dearest Jennifer, my lovely friend and poetry sis, it is an honor to be addressed by you, and for me to address you, in those tender terms. I'm so happy to see you! To feel your gracious presence on my page and receive your beautiful thoughts about my poem is as thrilling as it is humbling. Indeed, stranded could mean helplessness, hopelessness one feels in the midst difficult relationship issues, but it could also be the feeling of being bound together to work it out till the end.. I adore your visit, you have been missed! Thank you for your precious words, you are ever uplifting. I wish you an endless season of fun in the sun too, my dear Jenn. Warmest wishes, love and hugs sent across the many ocean miles to where you are.. I hope all is well with you and your beautiful family.. ~Sue

Sam Kauffman Date: 6/5/2024 11:53:00 AM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your words are exquisite pearls that decorate each elegant, powerful line. You always see beyond the basic theme of a contest and into that mystical, magical world of the poet who takes us into the exploration of new worlds. I always am drawn into the subtleties and nuances of your poetic vision for indeed we are "held together - just a thread!" The strand of pearls becomes a metamorphic ride. Congratulations on your win! Blessings to you like precious pearls, sweet poetry sis! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/9/2024 10:07:00 AM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, receiving your precious comments is like receiving a pearl bouquet. The elegance of your thoughts add lustrous value to my poem and inspiration to my being with your special sprinkle-sparkle of heart, soul and friendship. Thank you, my sweet poetry sis, for your generous dose of kindness and kinship! You are ever appreciated and your warm congrats are savored. Warmest wishes to you, lovely lady and dearest friend.. ~Susan

Regina Mcintosh Date: 6/4/2024 10:58:00 PM Just what I'd expect from you, Susan - amazing, magnificent, wonderous. Love it. Congratulations and God bless you, love, Gina Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/8/2024 8:42:00 AM Dearest Regina, I relish your gracious visit and revel in your uplifting words. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imageries of this poem with me and for your lovely congrats. Your golden friendship and inspiring poetry are both deeply appreciated. Warmest wishes, love and hugs my sweet poetry sis.. ~Susan

Beata Agustin Date: 6/4/2024 10:38:00 PM Wow! Congrats. Thanks for sharing this, so wisdom-filled. Your concluding lines are pearls of wisdom: "Knots may keep us stranded but the nots will keep us apart." God bless you. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/8/2024 7:35:00 AM Dear Beata, your gracious visit and beautiful comments are truly appreciated. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imageries of this poem with me. Warmest wishes dear poetess.. ~Susan

Speaks Volumes Date: 6/4/2024 1:21:00 PM Congrats Susan. I am surprised it didn't take first place. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/8/2024 7:33:00 AM Dear SV, your return visit with warm congrats is surely appreciated. Thank you, dear poetess, your lovely thoughts are gratifying to receive. In my humble opinion, the poem that took first place Sea Pearl was truly a wonder and deserved its place of honor at the top of the list. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan

Crystol Woods Date: 6/3/2024 2:35:00 PM Bravo Susan!!!! I am faving !The imagery of precious pearls rolling across the floor, scattered was somehow heart breaking and anxious making! The idea that once the string is broken it can be put together again but it will be changed in so many ways. This line!... "plot a dream more fluff than faith"...genius. and the finale was awesome! "Knots may keep us stranded but the nots will keep us apart."... so much said in a short phrase. Ty for sharing this with us!!! Xoxo <3 Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/8/2024 7:29:00 AM Dear Crystol, I relish your insightful and beautiful response to my poem. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imageries of this piece with me. Your perceptive comments are truly valued and the honor of your fav is held in my deepest appreciation. I'm so happy to know you enjoyed this poem. Warmest wishes, dear poetess.. ~Susan

Victor Buhagiar Date: 6/2/2024 8:16:00 AM Pearls: real or symbolic. They represent our human ties. The larger the better. Great poetry. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/8/2024 7:24:00 AM Dear Victor, indeed, a strand of pearls represent our human ties. Your insightful comments are treasured, every word a pearl. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan

Paul Callus Date: 6/2/2024 2:10:00 AM This is a pearl of a poem dear Susan! You make excellent use of symbolism, and as you make your point, we stop to think and nod our head, as if to say we have been there. Relationships can easily become unstrung, but assembling a mess is certainly much harder. I would say this poem is an eye-opener which ought not be taken lightly! It also shows the writer's experienced outlook on life. ~ Warm regards and hugs, my dear friend. // paul Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/8/2024 7:23:00 AM Dear Paul, your beautiful comments assure me that my poem reflects emotions we all can relate to. Your insights show your "experienced outlook on life", and poetry, as well, and I'm gratified to receive your golden thoughts. It's always such a pleasure when your presence graces my page. Thank you for sharing in the imagery and feelings of this scenario with me. Warmest wishes and hugs my dear friend.. ~Susan

Eileen Manassian Date: 6/1/2024 8:40:00 PM You are a poet of such high caliber. Honestly, this poem has such profound depth. I like your play on words. More fluff than faith... the hurt we pretty wrap... so many words stand out to me. Thanks for sharing this gem and for your visit to my page. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/3/2024 11:47:00 AM Dear Eileen, it's wonderful to see you! Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. I'm deeply touched by your beautiful comments and humbled by your kindness. May I reflect the first words of your comments back to you, indeed, "you are a poet of such high caliber" and it's great to see amongst the pages of the soup again. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Speaks Volumes Date: 5/31/2024 5:26:00 PM Superb poem Susan. This made a major impression, as I read it. Thank you. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/1/2024 5:41:00 PM Dear SV, it's wonderful to see you! Thank you for your sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. It's gratifying to know this poem made an impression on you. I truly appreciate knowing that. Warming wishes my poetry friend.. ~Susan

Paula Goldsmith Date: 5/31/2024 9:25:00 AM I enjoyed reading about your wonderful Pearl write. What a great ending...  "Good Luck'"  Have A Blessed Day Writing Away................ Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/1/2024 5:43:00 PM Dear Paula, I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem. Thank you for your gracious visit and lovely comments. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan

Victor Buhagiar Date: 5/31/2024 2:04:00 AM If you hate SF poetry don't read my poem :) Loved your poem though. So metaphoric in substance. Rightly you deal with love. Wonderful poetry. Blessings. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/2/2024 8:33:00 AM Dear Victor, I read your wonderful SF poem and eagerly left my comments for you as I found your poem to be expressive and engaging. Your poetic storytelling skills are impressive. Thank you for your inspiring comments, they are equally impressive. Your gracious visit is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan

David Crandall Date: 5/30/2024 7:15:00 PM Fascinating poem, Susan, with interesting symbolism. Stranded might have a double meaning? Liked, "each dressed-up sphere was once a naked tear" and "we plot a dream more fluff than faith before the cobweb breaks." Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/2/2024 7:38:00 AM Dear David, yes, I'm so glad you noticed that. I wanted to create the question with the use of 'stranded' .. do they feel helpless or are they trying to form a stronger connection. Thank you for your insightful comments and for pointing out which verses caught your attention. Your gracious visit is most appreciated my poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 5/30/2024 9:14:00 AM Dear Susan, Your poem moved me deeply. The imagery of pearls, knots, and the fragile thread beautifully captures the essence of our struggles and resilience. I love the way you portray the delicate balance between holding on and letting go insightful. It truly is filled with the complexity of life and love. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/3/2024 11:41:00 AM Dear Daniel, soulful poet, your poetic insight is deep and your expression is rich. Your comments are a such a joy to receive as you look below the surface and between the layers to find the heart and soul of the piece. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. I'm gratified by your valued thoughts which are as beautiful and eloquent as your stellar poetry. Warmest wishes my inspiring friend.. ~Susan

Hilda Greenhough Date: 5/30/2024 8:45:00 AM A great poem with a clever last line. I love it. Negativity is never good. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/1/2024 6:39:00 PM Dear Hilda, thank you for your gracious visit and wonderful comments. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem, it's very uplifting. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Deb M Date: 5/29/2024 9:21:00 PM Brilliant as per usual Susan! Love the last two lines especially which sums the poem up perfectly!! Debx Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/1/2024 6:37:00 PM Dear Deb, I relish your gracious visit and your kindness! Thank you for your inspiring comments, they touch me deeply. Your encouraging poetry friendship is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes my sweet friend.. ~Susan

Paige Hind Date: 5/29/2024 7:55:00 PM Amazing work, Susan....I am going to fav it- I am so glad to read your wonderful writing...keep it up always! <3 This left me in awe Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/1/2024 6:33:00 PM Dear Paige, golden poetess, I am humbled and honored by your kindness and your fav. Thank you for your heartwarming comments, they are cherished, as is your wonderful friendship. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Tom Woody Date: 5/29/2024 2:12:00 PM Oh boy this is so true Susan. In my case, my family has been divided for over thirty years with most taking my dad's side because they didn't like my "new religion." It took my mom's death last November too shake my dad up. We're reconciled now but he's on his death bed. At least our pearls were somewhat restrung, though my middle sister and mom didn't get the benefit, since they're both gone. Anyway I feel like I'm rambling. This one hit me deep. You're the best! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 6/1/2024 5:37:00 PM Dear Tom, indeed at the heart of every pearl is pain and when the pearls scatter it can be hard to recollect them or even want to recollect them. I'm saddened to know that your family has been divided for such a long time. It's a shame that one's choice of religion can cause such a rift among family and friends. Thank you for your heartfelt comments and for sharing your personal experience. My condolences to you for the loss of your mom and sister. I'm sorry to hear about your dad too, but I'm glad to know you had a chance to reconcile. Warmest wishes my inspiring friend.. ~Susan