Suzette Richards Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

NOTES on this Metamodern verse:

1. Oenomel refers to a blend of wine and honey (of Greek origin), but it also carries a literary meaning—something that combines strength and sweetness.
2. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) – Passed almost exclusively from the mother to offspring through the egg, mtDNA plays a crucial role in cellular energy production. It is often used in genetic tracing and inheritance studies.

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Oenomel

a practiced smile on her face 
a mother’s  oenomel breath puffs  wind under gossamer wings
reminiscent of the translucent wings of green lacewings—
mistaken for a pest, but beneficial—
to strike out and explore a thorny world
resisting  the siren call of spring’s scent
turning their heads with songs of love

emerging personalities 
unravel the cocoon spun in love
as naiveté fragmentises into bluster 
a mother unobtrusively dries tears
desiring  a moral code of empathy towards all

the sweet fragrance of pride 
a tantalising selection between 
intrinsic values and 
natural curiosity— 
concomitant heartbeat tempos to dog-eared sheet music of ambition
culminating in Life’s crescendo 
natural selection, be damned
as recalcitrant offspring echoes eons of mitochondrial resilience

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Andrea Dietrich April 27, 2025 at 8:26 PM This is such elegant writing, Suzette. Just happened to see this whole perusing one of Brian's winner lists Suzette Richards April 27, 2025 at 8:40 PM Thank you, Andrea. I think my poetry has turned a corner, but still maintain my distinctive voice (I hope).

Paula Goldsmith April 27, 2025 at 12:55 PM Your "Oenomel" is a creative write and picture. Love Both.... "Good Luck" Have a wonderful Sunday writing away......... Suzette Richards April 27, 2025 at 8:41 PM Thank you, Paula :)

Susan Ashley April 23, 2025 at 10:48 AM Dear Suzette, I relish your use of lush imagery and metaphor in your beautiful poem. The rich yet tender tone of this piece captures both the joys and challenges of mothering children with poetic finesse. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Suzette Richards April 24, 2025 at 9:18 AM Thank you for this kind comment, Susan :)

Ink Empress April 23, 2025 at 4:11 AM Dear suzette, “ a practised smile” thats exactly what we as mothers are fluent at, as no matter what we go through we keep things stable and sane for our children or our child. As a mother lately i feel this, seeing my son no longer a toddler and having to accept changes, finding that balance and understanding, while remaining empathetic too, its never an easy journey. I really love the picture and how youv written “ a tantalising selection between intrinsic values and natural curiosity— ” profound write. Pleasure reading your poem. Sending you light always Suzette Richards April 23, 2025 at 4:19 AM The journey has just begun for you, Ink. It is both wonderous and frustrating - enjoy it :) Hugs to both