Summer Betrayal

I listened as your soul broke fragile vows,
like wind in midnight trees it chilled my heart.
As wept medallion leaves upon the boughs
late roses hushed in seance did impart

that dim would grow the saffron afternoons,
midori secrets soon to disappear
as left was I with shame of scarlet runes
and pewter shadows whispered in my ear.

Across the firmament I felt the ache,
though silent came the smoke of summer's fire
of marigolds and honey we would take,
now sodden ashes in October mire.

The wisps of coral memories now fade;
in umber will the autumn notes be played.


10/17/17
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Ashley Avatar
March 10, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Dear Dale, your sonnet stirs my heart and imagination with beautiful melancholy. Vivid imagery and rich metaphors brings me into the bittersweet scene with ease. Congratulations for your success in Sara’s contest. It’s an honor the share the podium with you, my poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Cozart Avatar
March 11, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Hi, Susan. Thanks very much for your kind words.
Barden Avatar
November 11, 2017 at 8:44 PM
Wonderfully poignant and melancholy write, Dale - congrats on your win, my friend! :-)
Cozart Avatar
November 11, 2017 at 8:47 PM
Thanks, Greg.
Haight Avatar
November 11, 2017 at 8:26 PM
Such a beautifully written Sonnet, Dale. Congratulations on your 1st Place win. Sandra
Cozart Avatar
November 11, 2017 at 8:27 PM
Thanks so much, Sandra.
Canerdy Avatar
November 11, 2017 at 11:19 AM
GREAT poem, lovely and bittersweet. Congrats on your win, Dale. Janice
Canerdy Avatar
November 11, 2017 at 11:19 AM
GREAT poem, lovely and bittersweet. Congrats on your win, Dale. Janice
Cozart Avatar
November 11, 2017 at 11:37 AM
Thanks so much, Janice.
Gauthier Avatar
November 11, 2017 at 10:33 AM
Superb. Congrats on a winning poem, Dale.
Cozart Avatar
November 11, 2017 at 10:40 AM
Thanks, Line!
Smith Avatar
November 11, 2017 at 4:27 AM
Excellent Dale, congrats :)
Cozart Avatar
November 11, 2017 at 8:03 AM
Thanks, Gary!
Allison Avatar
October 17, 2017 at 11:45 AM
your use of colour is sublime Dale, an absolute joy to read your poem today:-) hugs jan xx
Cozart Avatar
October 17, 2017 at 11:49 AM
Thanks, Jan! You're awesome!
Smith Avatar
October 17, 2017 at 11:45 AM
Terrific, colorful sonnet Dale. Loved the first verse, well done...
Cozart Avatar
October 17, 2017 at 11:48 AM
Thanks so much, Charlie!
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