Susan Ashley Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

December 14, 2025

~ First Place ~
Premiere Contest: Fortuitous
Sponsor: Rob Carmack

~ Fifth Place ~
Premiere Contest: 1432 Your Choice 2025
Sponsor: Brian Strand

~ Second Place ~
Premiere Contest: One Frosty Winter's Eve
Sponsor: Tom Woody

*Mémé: noun; French word for grandmother

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On the Porch Swing

On the cusp of endings and beginnings
I’m at the edge of my last winter solstice

we sit in the warm lap of the fire pit flicker 
fire-glass-facets liquidates and circulates 
flame-light like an arterial bloodstream—

snow fell in the morn
everything is white and reborn
nothing is more baptizing 
than evergreen season’s first snow
I embrace the coming of the longest dark
and the blessed return to light

afternoon dozes into sunset
we watch the sun but a dying coal
grow the glow of ember-bed-clouds

in this frozen golden hour 
cumulus complexions flaunt
the sun-kissed-shine I used to own 

how could my spark burn
vine of my veins and wine in my veins 
to ash?

for my citrus chakra energy—
a sunlit river that danced like a disco diva over rocks
was stilled in the inflexible cauldron of a cancer mass
but solstice reminds me of my spirit flexible and free

this twilight has a peculiar beauty
I hold you close to me on the porch swing
one last swing as we observe the solstice sundown
this porch  this swing  our fav place for the past year
a place of so many firsts for you— and for me too
 … like when I learned my illness was terminal
my days dwindling into X’s on the chemo calendar

your year-old-self vibrant now with learning to walk
yet you still love to rock with me
my pretzel-thin arms still wrap around you
your hatted head pillowed upon
my flattened breast
hidden beneath layers of squall-proof wool 

bundled against the cold as we are
I still feel your grandgirl’s heart beating with mine
may you always feel the beat of my pulse in yours
our breaths commingle in angelic vapor lifting 
from smiles of shared giggles as our humor
escorts my spirit to beyond the horizon  bit by bit
… in my head I imagine your babbling to say
“don’t be afraid mémé”

—you are the strawberry-blonde-Sol of my soul

as the old sky-candle dims a feeble flame
a celebratory rosé is raised across skies
a toast to the enchantment of this winter’s eve
my imagination fills with intoxicated musings
of what twilight will look like from the other side—
I imagine myself the moon   a mirror reflecting
your cycles of glow and shadow as you grow

… I’ll do my best as your guardian angel
I promise you  sweet girl ….

oh December granddaughter
born in the yule season of the last cold solstice
sacred time of my beloved mother’s birth
like her  you are a swan  a solstice child

after I succumb to my shortest day 
always feel the sunny halo of my embrace
especially when life brews its gnawing nor’easters

the icicles you see— see the icicles  baby girl
hanging from eaves  hanging from trees
they're the million tears I cried
suspended animation of my December’s grief 
frozen for knowing I’ll soon not be here with you
but look into the shine alive within the ice
there you’ll see winter magic….  eve’s golden hour
ignites the ice with my light and joy and love for you

                  look for me in the strength of ice
        and in nostalgia of pixie-dusted snow
   look for me in thawing March trickles
           new leaf collections of dew in June 
and sun-sequins riding rolls of late September waves

  look for me in rain-streamed window panes
and round-bellied tears pregnant with solace or pang
 
     look for me wherever water sparkles
                              w h e n e v e r  water sparkles

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Trina Layne May 3, 2026 at 6:50 AM Some striking images here, Susan. Congrats on your placement! Susan Ashley May 10, 2026 at 5:07 PM Dear Trina, it’s great to see you! Thank you for your lovely comments and kind congrats. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Gary Radice April 21, 2026 at 2:58 AM Such a beautifully poignant read Susan. I love the showing and implying without directly telling. I love how the themes of grief, love and impending loss are wrapped up in words of warmth and calmness set against the background of Mother Nature and the gentle rocking of a porch swing. A true poet - yes but I also see a great director of film here with this piece. Cheers - Gary Susan Ashley April 21, 2026 at 7:43 AM Dear Gary, it's been a while since our poetic paths have crossed here. I've been away from PS for the last few months due to the good yet challenging busy-ness of life. I'm humbled and honored by your thoughts and I'm so glad your enjoyed this poem. I always seem to stitch human emotions and Nature together in my poetry. Thank you for your gracious visit and the uplifting feeling your words bring. Warmest wishes, my dear poet friend.. ~Susan

David Crandall April 20, 2026 at 12:15 PM Eloquent and touching thoughts on a porch spring during Winter solstice. What would this transition be without the little one? and what would it be without the elder one? Susan Ashley April 20, 2026 at 12:23 PM Dear David, indeed your questions are so relevant to the transitions of life and the family generations that span the distance between life and death. I'm thrilled to receive your thoughtful comments. Thank you for your gracious visit and kindness. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Karen Jones April 19, 2026 at 11:27 PM Wow! This is an endearing piece and I see a long standing winner! Congratulations on first place trophy win in Rob’s contest! Susan Ashley April 20, 2026 at 10:58 AM Dear Karen, it's an honor to share the podium with you, Your poetry is beautiful and always such a pleasure to read. Thank you for sharing your uplifting thoughts with me and for your kind congrats. I'm so glad you found this poem to be endearing. Your gracious visit is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Nette Onclaud April 19, 2026 at 7:37 PM how you laid out the poetic strings to connect those stirring moments between life and death, without having to literally spell it out, is totally impressive...the softness, combined with edgy grit , makes this a masterclass in poetry.. sweet congrats, susan! Susan Ashley April 20, 2026 at 10:55 AM Dear Nette, your comments are stunning and received with humble gratitude. I treasure your precious thoughts as I hold you in my highest esteem as an accomplished poetry artist. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts with me and for your kind congrats. Your gracious visit is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Rob Carmack April 19, 2026 at 6:13 PM Enjoyed how you weaved this one. Congrats and thank you for supporting my contest. Susan Ashley April 19, 2026 at 6:25 PM Dear Rob, thank you for your gracious visit and kind congrats. I’m honored by my poem’s placement in your esteemed contest and humbled to be among the talented poets on your list. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Paul Callus February 7, 2026 at 3:14 AM I am in awe at this emotional delivery, dear Susan. What could a mémé do when she knows that time is not on her side, and that she'll soon be separated from such a young child! And yet, she calmly shows acceptance of the situation (no sign of anger) though in between the lines I can still feel traces of 'anticipatory grief'. May that child one day read this poem and shed tears of love and understanding. ~ Warm regards and hugs, my friend // paul Susan Ashley April 6, 2026 at 10:01 AM Dear Paul, I relish your gracious visit and treasure your insightful thoughts on my poem. I'm so glad to know you appreciated my emotional delivery of this piece. That you recognize the subtleties I wanted to convey assures me that I was on the right expressive track :) Thank you for your visit, as always, I am inspired by your comments, and with this inspiration comes poetic growth. Warmest wishes and hugs, my dear friend and mentor.. ~Susan P.S. your kind congrats are truly appreciated as well :)) Paul Callus February 7, 2026 at 3:15 AM I just realised that you obtained a podium finish in the contest - congratulations!!

Valsa George January 9, 2026 at 7:49 PM Dear Susan, this is a wonderful poem of beauty, love, heartache and hope in the cusp between endings and beginnings. I understand that this is a top winner in Tom's contest as it deserves to be. With some engagements, l am busy and on an interim break from poetry soup. Wish you a more creative year ahead, sweet friend. Susan Ashley February 14, 2026 at 8:18 AM Dearest Valsa, my wonderful friend, thank you for your uplifting visit and comments! I treasure your poetic spirit so full of kindness and light. You have a generous and sensitive soul and I'm grateful that we share in poetry friendship with each other. I understand you being busy and needing time away from soup.. the same happens to me as well. This is my first day back (in a meaningful way) in almost 2 months. Getting caught up :) So happy to receive your comments today. Looking forward to your return, my sweet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Jennifer Proxenos January 7, 2026 at 4:14 AM My dearest dearest friend how are you and how i have missed reading your incredible poetry but life is fast and demanding-but it had to come to me getting bronchial pneumonia and be ordered to bed by the doctor, so as I could have time for myself to visit Poetry Soup and my friends. Your poems I'm sure, will be read besides all of us, by all celestials in heaven, for surely this grand poem will reach this our ultimate destination. This wonderful piece of work blends soul giving, emotional, sensitive situations of a sadly terminally ill person who comforts the ones she is leaving behind, by telling them they only have to look or ask and he or she will be there for them always. A heart breaking story written by the master of poetry WITH HER GOD GIVEN TALENT. I love you my precious friend and send you gallons of hugs. Jennifer Susan Ashley February 14, 2026 at 8:07 AM My dearest dearest friend, Jennifer, it's so wonderful to hear from you! :) I'm so sorry to hear of your ordeal with bronchial pneumonia.. so scary and terrible to endure. I pray that you are feeling better and fully recovered. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. The heartfelt depth of your comments touch me deeply and truly.. the light of your empathy shines through your golden words. I'm so happy to know that this poem resonated strongly with you in an emotional way, you have such a sensitive and generous heart and soul, my sweet poetry sis. I hope all is well with you, that you've made a full recovery and that all is well with your treasured family. Lots of hugs and love to you my precious poet friend.. ~Susan

David Crandall January 2, 2026 at 9:06 PM A moving poem, Susan. There's something very comforting about a swing. Some of my best memories involves swings and songs. Susan Ashley January 4, 2026 at 9:28 AM Dear David, I love swings too.. swings and rocking chairs are both so soothing :) I'm so glad to receive your lovely thoughts, my poet friend. Thank you for your gracious visit. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sara Kendrick December 16, 2025 at 4:40 PM Congratulations on your win in Tom's contest. Way to go. Sara K Susan Ashley December 31, 2025 at 9:31 AM Dear Sara thank you for your lovely visit and kind congrats. Warmest wishes for a happy new year.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman December 16, 2025 at 11:56 AM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, congratulations on your win in Tom's contest with your breathtaking, heartbreaking poem. I had a feeling it would be high on the winner's list and so delighted for you, sweet poetry sis! Blessings of comfort and joy to you! Susan Ashley December 31, 2025 at 9:36 AM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, I revel in your thoughtful return visit! Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem. I'm so glad to know it touched your heart so deeply. My apologies for my late reply, my sweet poetry sis, but tis the season of busy-ness lol! This Christmas season has been especially busy in all ways good :) Your beautiful thoughts are treasured and my warmest wishes to you and yours for a happy new year. May your golden pen be ever filled with your soulful inspiration... ~Susan

Daniel Henry Rodgers December 16, 2025 at 11:47 AM Dear Susan, Your poem is breathtaking in its honesty and tenderness. The imagery of icicles as tears and water as a mirror of love is unforgettable. I love how it holds grief, beauty, and eternal promise all at once. Holiday Blessings, Dear Susan, Daniel Susan Ashley December 31, 2025 at 9:47 AM Dear Daniel, I revel in your gracious visit and treasure your beautiful thoughts imprinted on my poem's page. They add a golden glow of soulful luster to this piece. Please accept my apologies for my late reply to your inspiring comments. They are deeply touching, my poet friend. Warmest wishes to you and yours for a happy new year.. ~Susan

Ghairo Daniels December 15, 2025 at 8:29 PM A tender subtly powerful gift to both Sol & all of us, Gentle Poet. Your Soul strength shines brightly whatever state of citrus centre is & your diva always dances in forms outside of material. The cauldron mass is there to help blend everything together, except our human sensitivity & sensations cannot accept this. I’m honoured 2 have crossed your energies here. Your fragility at this point on your timeline is held to filigree Light. Know that Sol will hav best mémé Guide there can be. Love xxx Susan Ashley December 31, 2025 at 9:42 AM Dearest Ghairo, please accept my apologies for my late reply to your beautiful and touching comments. You express yourself as beautifully in the comment box as you do on your poetry pages. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. Your soulful and deeply thoughtful words reach my soul with clarity. That our energies cross is a blessing, my dear poet friend. Warmest wishes and love to you for a happy and inspired new year.. ~Susan

Valsa George December 15, 2025 at 7:45 PM Dear Susan, what a sweet poem.....! How love continues to make one happy , blissful and hopeful even when staying at the terminal end of life. As l am having a hectic time, sadly l can't gloat over the beauty of your poem. So l will content myself by leaving a comment so short... Simply superb... excellent !! !! Kudos gifted one and congratulations on your great win. Susan Ashley December 18, 2025 at 8:30 AM My dearest Valsa, indeed, love is as beautiful as it is transcendent. I’m thrilled to receive your precious thoughts and kind congrats. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Your tender heart and soul shines in your response and it fills me with gratitude for sharing in the art of poetry with you. Your soulful presence touches me deeply. Thank you again my dear poet friend. Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and some restful, playful, creative time for yourself in the new year .. ~Susan

Victor Buhagiar December 15, 2025 at 1:42 AM Your poetry always fascinates me. Great memories not to be discarded. Susan Ashley December 15, 2025 at 5:37 PM Dear Victor, your gracious visit and wonderful response to my poem is truly appreciated. Thank you, my dear poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman December 14, 2025 at 8:17 PM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend sadness and longing weave their way through the finality of your farewell as you leave a gift of memories to a grandchild who hopefully will find solace on a porch swing. As always sweet poetry sis your talent to draw me into your scene is on display. Your words paint a tender picture of love and grief. If this is for a contest best wishes dear friend. Sending you blessings of s comfort on wings of joy dear friend. Susan Ashley December 15, 2025 at 5:48 PM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, I’m always filled with gratitude to share in poetry, the art of the heart, with you. Your heartfelt comments reflect the beauty of your empathy that is so wonderfully showcased in your soulful and beautiful poetry. Dear poetry sis, thank you for your inspiring comments and for touching me with your kindness. Your golden presence shines a ray of sunshine upon my poem’s page and upon my appreciative heart too. Warmest wishes and hugs to you, dear Sam, on wings of winter white enchantment.. ~Susan

Paula Goldsmith December 14, 2025 at 12:10 PM I enjoyed reading your lovely write/story. What a great ending you have here.  "Good Luck" A winner for me. Have a lovely day writing away............ Susan Ashley December 14, 2025 at 5:58 PM Dear Paula, I’m so glad to know you enjoyed my poem. Thank you for your wonderful visit and for your encouraging words. They mean a lot to me. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan

Paige Hind December 14, 2025 at 11:50 AM This is so moving. Beautiful. I am sure this one will win. Quite the different take on this prompt, personal and sensitively written. Wow, Susan. <3 Susan Ashley December 14, 2025 at 5:54 PM Dear Paige, I truly appreciate your precious thoughts and gracious poetic spirit. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. I’m so glad it touched your heart. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan