Pondering of a Puddle

Ponded and becalmed after the downpour, lying in shining stillness, I reflect an earthly existence; above me newly leafed limbs, and beyond, the wild beauty of motley skies in the afternoon’s brightening quietude. On the side of a country back road, I daydream. As leftover clouds drift in light and dark moods across my mirrored face, I ponder the possibilities of ‘what ifs’. What if life had taken me elsewhere - to a different time and place, filling another space, in another form and shape? What if I had fallen soft as a summer drizzle instead, dressing spider webs in misty strings of mini crystal beads.. or had filled a rusty-relic watering can, left behind ages ago beside an ivy-smothered stump.. or maybe had been wind-whipped with a vengeance into a swollen river rough and ready to ride the rapids.. What if, I had fallen as snow eons ago and now was found deep in an ice core in Antarctica.. how exotic! Straying cumulus find themselves captured in my imagination as well as in my liquid looking-glass oval, and my thoughts stray back to the soothing smoothness of my present reality. I know my time here, though sweet, is short-lived; and so I set my pondering aside and decide to seize upon the moment with contentment in my tranquil state of repose.

placid puddle mulls
lost in reflections of clouds -
spring rains laid to rest


Susan Ashley 
May 1, 2019


~Third Place~
Contest: Happy Haibun
Sponsor: Caren Krutsinger
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Sinha-Roy Avatar
August 6, 2019 at 2:24 AM
Congratulations, Susan on your well deserved win with this beautiful Haibun.
Ashley Avatar
August 10, 2019 at 6:33 PM
Thank you, Subimal, for your heartwarming comments and kind congrats. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Murray Avatar
August 2, 2019 at 2:43 PM
What if indeed. Your pen flows with such sweet reflections Susan, it makes us also stop and take time for a moment to on life.
Ashley Avatar
August 2, 2019 at 10:40 PM
I relish your lovely presence here, Jean. Your beautiful comments are joyfully received. Warmest wishes always my inspiring friend.. ~Susan
Messina Avatar
August 2, 2019 at 6:28 AM
What if, there were no Susan Ashley. The world would be missing a beautiful person/poet and I would be very sad. Awesome write my dear friend. Congratulations on your win. Warmest Wishes Always. Hugs Charlie
Ashley Avatar
August 2, 2019 at 10:37 PM
Aw, your charm never ceases to amaze or uplift me, Charlieku. Thank you for your beautiful comments that touch my heart, dear friend. I relish your precious friendship and your kind congrats. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
De Beaulieu Avatar
June 11, 2019 at 9:48 AM
Hello Susan, wow! This poem is beautiful. You made me feel like I was there. Have a nice day my friend. Warmth wishes: Darlene
Ashley Avatar
June 11, 2019 at 6:18 PM
Thank you, Darlene. I'm so pleased you enjoyed my poem. Your precious comments are uplifting and means so much to me. Thank you for sharing your wonderful heart and kindness with me, my friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Riabi Dziri Avatar
May 10, 2019 at 3:59 PM
Your profound and inspiring poetry resonates with my soul.. your thoughts twinkle my mind.. your expressive words are soothing and fill the heart with sweet joy.. always a great pleasure in the company of your art dearest Susan.. definitely a FAV. My warmest wishes. Love and hugs.
Ashley Avatar
May 13, 2019 at 10:16 PM
Your refined spirit always finds the heart in my words and the soul in my poems. It brings me immense joy to know that my words touch your being in such a meaningful way. I am deeply moved by your generous comments, you inspire me to reach ever higher, dearest Besma. Thank you for your shining friendship, your glowing words and for the fav. With love.. ~Susan
Riabi Dziri Avatar
May 10, 2019 at 3:50 PM
Not any soul ponders over the possibilities of moments in other times.. winging their way to other worlds.. tasting beauties of different flair.. Only a poetess whose poetic artistry, fine art and a beautiful mind grant her the ultimate right to ascend to higher levels of imagination and quench not only her thirst but also that of her avid reader! Such a beautiful soul wouldn't allow her Self to get "lost in reflections".. as you are, soul sister filled with grace and contentment..
Ashley Avatar
May 13, 2019 at 10:07 PM
Dearest Besma, your comments are so wonderfully elegant and eloquent. I'm humbled and honored by the beauty of your words gracing my poem. I truly and deeply appreciate you, my avid reader. Thank you for sharing the magic of your sentiments with me, as they fill my heart with elation. With utmost delight I bask in the gracious light that illuminates my page when you visit, my lovely friend. Warmest wishes, love and hugs to you always, my dear sister.. ~Susan
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
May 8, 2019 at 6:47 AM
An ocean pales in comparison, magnificently said, Aloha William...
Ashley Avatar
May 9, 2019 at 6:20 PM
I am humbled and honored by your lovely comments, William. Your shining comment is received with the utmost joy. I'm so pleased you enjoyed this piece. Thank you and Aloha, my friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Sergi Avatar
May 7, 2019 at 8:19 AM
Susan, your puddle is a large wave of personification!
Ashley Avatar
May 7, 2019 at 6:12 PM
It is truly a joy to see you here, Ralph. Thank you for your gracious visit and precious comments. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Callus Avatar
May 5, 2019 at 1:06 PM
Beautiful personification and delightful musing, Susan. Puddles, especially those which form in rocky terrains always draw my attention, and like you I also find them inspiring. The last ku lines are impactful and provide a fitting ending, my friend. ~ Warm regards & Hugs // paul
Ashley Avatar
May 7, 2019 at 6:10 PM
It seems like both our muses are inspired by water, whether it’s as grand as the ocean or as humble as a puddle. It is always such a joy when you share your precious thoughts with me, Paul. Thank you for your beautiful comments and inspiring friendship. Warmest wishes and hugs always.. ~Susan
Lindley Avatar
May 2, 2019 at 4:14 PM
My dear friend the enormity and expansive depths you explore with this awesome and mind staggering piece stir this old poet's heart, soul and mind to admire even more your ability to compose true, fine and top-class poetry! A fav.. and a true gem...
Ashley Avatar
May 3, 2019 at 9:08 PM
My dear friend, it is always such a treasured gift to receive your heartwarming, uplifting comments and a fav. Thank you, Robert, for sharing your precious thoughts with me and adding value to my poem with the shine of your presence. I'm so very pleased that you enjoyed this piece. Warmest wishes always, my wonderful friend.. ~Susan
Sharp Avatar
May 2, 2019 at 10:46 AM
Such grave ruminations stirred by a simple, innocent puddle of water. Very nicely written, Susan.
Ashley Avatar
May 3, 2019 at 8:41 PM
Indeed, Lawrence.. It all started with a walk outside after a soaking rain and seeing the large puddles left in the storm's wake.. Sometimes the simplest things sow seeds in the imagination and stir the heart. It is a honor to receive your wonderful comments, my inspiring friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Warrior Avatar
May 2, 2019 at 9:04 AM
A puddle which is turning out to be a tsunami, of a poetic deluge...hey! missy sissy...what up girl?...love ya...bro bro...{*J*}
Ashley Avatar
May 3, 2019 at 8:32 PM
Hey my soul bro! It's always a great day when you grace my page with your light and my face with a smile. My apologies for being more MIA than present here at PS, life has a way of getting in the way of poetic passion sometimes. Hopefully the Unicorns are still kicking up their heels :) I'll be back in the East wing soon.. Thank you for your awesomeness, bro bro. Warmest wishes and love.. ~ sane sissy
Cunningham Avatar
May 2, 2019 at 3:15 AM
You have honoured the humble puddle Susan, a great write. Tom
Ashley Avatar
May 3, 2019 at 8:24 PM
I am humbled and honored by your lovely comments, Tom. I'm so pleased you enjoyed this piece. Thank you, my friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Wolf Avatar
May 1, 2019 at 10:32 PM
Oh to have such thoughts. To actually have them. To really think them! Mind-boggling, Susan! ~ gw in chic AWE go!
Ashley Avatar
May 3, 2019 at 8:22 PM
My dear Gershon, your presence is a ray of sunshine, despite our gloomy spring weather. Your wonderful comment is received with the utmost joy. I hope the sun is shining on you in chic AWE go, my inspiring friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
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