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Sip the Sunset

Alone, beneath the skies of sunset wine,
    infuse me with your golden minutes’ keep -
       break the cloudy mantle’s mood so dreary,  
  subdue the winds to flutes of airy sweep 

imbibing rays of crimson-orange hues, 
   inebriate to liberate dull senses seized -
       fly away! those murky flocks of gray no longer moody
   a consequence of sweet relief received. 


Susan Ashley
September 29, 2020

(December 21, 2019)

Copyright © Susan Ashley | Year Posted 2020

appreciationemotionshopelongingmovingrhyme

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October 16, 2020 at 1:12 AM

Love your sunset painting in words, Susan. The tone you set of colors washing away the drabness of gray infuses this with a joy of living in the now and a hope that things do get better. I really enjoyed the metaphor of sip/imbibe/inebriate and the sunset wine; like a bottle of good wine, life gets better with age. Coincidentally, you wrote this on my 60th birthday back in December, and your poetry is one of the gifts that keeps on giving this year. Life is good! Beautiful poem, my friend.

October 20, 2020 at 5:45 PM

John, I agree that this fantabulistic synchronicity of serendipities is "tickled fuchsia" worthy! :)) It's no coincidence that two great people were born on December 21st!! It was meant to be in the grand scheme of things and for me to be blessed in such a wonderful way. Poems I've written about my mom are: The Lingering Of Longing And Life; 8/11/19, Birth Of A Swan; 12/20/18 and Your Sacred Soul Still Calms And Comforts Me; 12/8/17. Your friendship is beautiful, John. Yes, I loved my mom very much and so did all who had to honor of knowing her. I'm sure that she, (my mom and your birthday buddy), is quite happy that we're poetry buddies!!

October 18, 2020 at 12:01 AM

Oh Susan, what a fantabulistic synchronicity of the two dates you listed being shared by you in Sep and your mother and I in Dec! I'm just tickled fuchsia over serendipities such as that! Please let me know if you have posted any poems about your mother so I may read them and get to know her better. You clearly loved her very much. RIP Alice, my birthday buddy.

October 17, 2020 at 7:32 AM

John, my dear friend, I always knew there was something special about you.. You share the same birthday with my late beloved mother, Alice, December 21.. and the other coincidence is that I posted this poem (without realizing it till I posted it and looked at my computer screen) on my birthday! Thank you for sharing your b-day tidbit with me! I love sunsets and I adore your comments, John. You humble me with your rich endearing comments and I am ever so grateful to receive your deep and precious thoughts that wrap around my mind and heart in a wonderful way. Indeed, life is good! :) Warmest wishes and hugs my friend.. ~Susan

October 8, 2020 at 10:06 AM

I have read many poems describing sunsets, Susan, but not many are capable of being as creative as this one. Metaphors and vivid imagery appeal to the senses while offering 'sweet relief'. A beautiful sunset is a joy for ever! ~ Warm regards & Hugs my friend. // paul

October 8, 2020 at 5:05 PM

Indeed, my dear friend, each and every beautiful sunset is a wonder to behold. I seem to be so much more enchanted by sunsets than sunrises, and although I've written a poem or two about dawn, its the majesty and drama of sunset that most stirs my muse and piques my pen. Your lovely comments are a sweet reward and a joy to receive, Paul. Warmest wishes and hugs always.. ~Susan

October 6, 2020 at 2:01 PM

your imagery from start to finish is exquisite Susan:-) a joy to read your uplifting lines:-) hugs Jan xx

October 6, 2020 at 4:34 PM

Thank you, Jan. Your wonderful comments are a pleasure to receive. I’m glad you enjoyed my poem. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

October 4, 2020 at 4:27 PM

Wonderfully woven deep tapestry of light refound. Always your verses set my heart to pondering the powers of poetry and the magnificent hearts of poets. God bless..

October 4, 2020 at 7:21 PM

My dear friend, your shining presence here inspires me immensely. Thank you for leaving your insightful thoughts that are as uplifting as they generous in their kindness and heart. Poetry is only as potent as the heart of a poet, Robert. That is why you and your magnificent poetry can move so many so deeply. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Connie Marcum Wong

October 2, 2020 at 8:50 AM

Exquisite my friend! The kind of poetry I can lose myself in! A fave for me! Blessings xxoo

October 3, 2020 at 4:39 PM

Ah, dear Connie.. it’s wonderful to see your shining presence here. Thank you for your uplifting comments, your encouragement means so much to me. The honor of your fave is truly appreciated as well, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Regina Mcintosh

October 2, 2020 at 4:48 AM

Simply beautiful and exquisite, my words don't do this gorgeous poem the justice it deserves. You're a amazing poetess... God bless you my friend

October 3, 2020 at 4:50 PM

Dear Regina, I am touched by your lovely comments. Such kindness! Thank you for the honor of your visit and for your uplifting words. I relish the beauty of your poetry, dear poetess.. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

October 1, 2020 at 11:17 PM

'Alone beneath the skies of sunset wine' i cannot imagine you ever being alone, Susan, with your wonderful exhilarating poetry.

October 3, 2020 at 4:52 PM

Harry, my poetry page shines when your golden presence graces it. Thank you, my dear friend, for sharing your precious thoughts with me. You are appreciated always. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Panagiota Romios

October 1, 2020 at 7:42 PM

Utterly, masterfully done, A first rate poem, Susan.. Thank you. And a FAV, PAGIE xxx

October 1, 2020 at 7:55 PM

I relish your wonderful response to my poem, Pangie. Your beautiful comments inspire and encourage me. Thank you for your kindness and for the honor of your fav, both are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes, my dear poetess and friend.. ~Susan

Angela Crabtree

October 1, 2020 at 7:19 PM

I like good weather also. :) Very descriptive. It's great how it can lift our spirit. Excellent poem, as always! Love, Angie

October 1, 2020 at 8:04 PM

Oh yes, Angie! The colors of sunset always inspire me with wonder - how can you not be uplifted when you’re in wonderment of such majesty :)) Thank you for your gracious comments, I relish receiving your kind words, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Jennifer Proxenos

October 1, 2020 at 8:44 AM

Nothing better than seeing a South African sunset in Africa, even from your own garden, I could never leave Africa, and if we ever have to everything we have will be gone and we will become refugees, please please God this never happens. Your poem is exquisite my dear friend, you have a natural talent for poetry, may your pen always be gifted, for the rest of your life. Blessings and hugs, Jennifer.

October 3, 2020 at 1:01 PM

Sunsets in South Africa must truly be inspiring, Jennifer. I pray that you will never have to leave such a glorious place as your golden heart is rooted and blooms so beautifully there. You are a kind spirit, I truly appreciate you. Thank you for sharing your precious and intimate thoughts with me and for shining your lovely light on my poem with your cherished words. Warmest wishes, my dear friend.. ~Susan

Besma Riabi Dziri

October 1, 2020 at 2:00 AM

I sip your nourishing words one by one.. I relish in the beauty of your imagery.. I colour my soul with your the wonderful shades adorning your poetry.. I bask in the sweet mood of your Rhyme.. I'm so glad you are here again spilling the finest of words, the greatest of poetry! Soul sister and dear Susan, I so much liked and enjoyed reading your poem.. wishing you a great time on PS with your tender and warm presence.. God bless you. My deepest regards. Love and hugs.

October 3, 2020 at 12:26 PM

Dearest Besma, I relish in the beauty of the golden shine of your presence.. and the heartening nature of uplifting words spilled from your glorious heart. It fills me with elation to read your touching response to my poem, my sweet soul sister, it thrills me to know that you colored your soul with the wonderful shades of my poetry.. there is no higher or greater compliment, Besma. We are both enhanced, enriched and enlivened by the hues of each other's poetry. Wishing you only happiness and inspiration. Love and hugs to you always.. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Michelle Faulkner

September 30, 2020 at 8:32 PM

'skies of sunset wine' - how richly intoxicating! Your brushstrokes of beauty are breath taking, just lovely, Susan~

October 3, 2020 at 12:03 PM

I am elated by your uplifting comments, Michelle. Your golden presence lights up my poetry page, my friend. You are an inspiration. Thank you! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

September 30, 2020 at 5:14 PM

What glorious and delightful verse, Susan! Your metaphors are sublime! Loved this poem; such a treat to read! :)

September 30, 2020 at 8:00 PM

Thank you for your gracious comments, Laura., they are inspiring. I'm so pleased you enjoyed my poem. Your lovely presence here is always so appreciated. Warmest wishes, my dear friend.. ~Susan

Victor Buhagiar

September 30, 2020 at 9:02 AM

I'm suffering from vertigo and the thing I miss most is that sunset wine. A lovely poem enticing our senses. ~~

September 30, 2020 at 9:10 AM

I'm so sorry to hear of your vertigo, Victor. I've experienced it too, and it is truly awful. Sending you hugs and prayers for your speedy recovery and a return to toasting twilight's beauty with sunset wine :) Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts with me, my dear friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

September 29, 2020 at 2:21 PM

ohh, a feast of the senses, susan...remarkably expressed with great poetic diction!...huggs

September 30, 2020 at 8:37 AM

I'm thrilled by your response to my poem, Nette. Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts with me. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Carolyn Devonshire

September 29, 2020 at 12:02 PM

Such a beautifully descriptive poem, Susan. Your talent shines here; few can create metaphors the way you do. Hugs, Carolyn

September 30, 2020 at 8:36 AM

Dear Carolyn, your encouraging comments mean more to me than you can imagine. Thank you for gracing my poem with your shining thoughts, dear poetess! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

September 29, 2020 at 11:08 AM

Yumliness! Nothing like striking sunset hues to chase dreary grays away..and now i need a Tequila Sunrise to sip too :)

September 30, 2020 at 8:23 AM

Hehe, sounds perfect.. a Tequila Sunrise at sunset! :) Thank you for your stunning thoughts, Susan. Warmest sunny wishes.. ~Susan

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