The Guise of Blue Jay Skies

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November 2, 2018

~ Fourth Place ~
Premiere Contest: Your Choice Once More
Sponsor: Brian Strand

~ First Place ~
Contest: Any Poem Not For Contest
Sponsor: Silent One

~ Poem Of The Day ~
November 4, 2018

"If you don't like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes."
~ Mark Twain



 

F  l  y  i  n  g

a sailing tailwind
in cerulean streams
through creamsicle colored beams -
are wings reflective of turquoise truth 
and white purity 
of Autumn’s ether -

he aviates 
a clear troposphere 
riding an unbridled
capricious and combative 
boreas
on the cusp
of a new season

with a plumage infusion
of shifting Cape Cod skies
the blue jay mixes hues
with the Northern azure 
that fades to shades 
of turmoil
to the South and East -
becoming lost
in its milky breadth.. 
its lilting light..
its dimming depths..
where the edge of rustic rural 
meets the sandy ridge of conifers - crooked
twisted and back-bent
from gales 
of salt-sprayed sorcery

bold bluster 
leading the charge 
of a cold sapphire crest  
is bedeviled 
by the raw 
tongue-lashing spin 
of a brooding onshore flow
twirling 
a brewing brawl -
whirling 
in slate pearlescent space -
s w i r l i n g 
with the dusky feistiness 
of stormy petrels.. 
mobs of darkening fog 
fatten 
on summer’s fainty surrender —
leftover tints of tender cornflower
and hints of dainty dove..

there’s a sparkle 
in the eye of the storm..
his mischievous black gaze 
mirrors 
the harsh harbinger 
of commotion  
clash  and  change --
his piercing “jay-jay” jabs 
the maddening mayhem 
of menacing air 
with the emerald-needled sharpness 
of wind-weary pitch pines 
anchoring 
the beige of coastal dunes

where his refractive blues
take cover 
in colorful contrast

ahead
of the bruising
October nor’easter

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018



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123
Date: 1/12/2024 1:06:00 PM
Congratulations on another placement with your poem..
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Ashley Avatar
Susan Ashley
Date: 1/12/2024 4:55:00 PM
Dear Silent One, thank you for your return visit to my poem. I'm honored by your gracious presence and kind congrats, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Date: 1/5/2024 8:03:00 AM
I take flight with the jay in your magnificent imagery and weather change. A stunning write Susan. These lines caught me: "...leftover tints of tender cornflower and hints of dainty dove." Congratulations! :)
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Susan Ashley
Date: 1/5/2024 5:14:00 PM
Dear Linda, wonderful poetess, I'm so glad your imagination took flight across the Autumn skies with my blue jay. Thank you for your gratifying comments, they are received with my truest appreciation. It's rewarding to know which lines caught your attention. Warmest wishes my dear friend.. ~Susan
Date: 1/5/2024 4:24:00 AM
So descriptive and beautiful! I have never written yet a poem that has so many colours in it! This is so well done! It was POTD!! Amazing poetry!
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Susan Ashley
Date: 1/5/2024 5:09:00 PM
Dear Krish, your visit is a delight. Thank you for your wonderful comments. I'm glad you noticed the colors of the poem. Yes, POTD, five years ago! Time goes by so fast! Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan
Date: 1/4/2024 12:43:00 PM
This is epic Susan, your poem skilfully personifies the blue jay, attributing to it the ability to navigate the elements with grace and boldness. The use of colours and natural elements, such as shifting Cape Cod skies, Northern azure, and the edge of rustic rural meeting the sandy ridge of conifers, adds depth and complexity to the imagery... I looked and saw I had not commented on this one and was surprised then saddened to see so many names no longer with us. Congratulations on your 1st place
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Susan Ashley
Date: 1/4/2024 5:21:00 PM
Dear Silent One, I relish the depth and detail of your esteemed feedback on my poem. I'm endlessly inspired by the wildlife and rural settings around me. Your generous comments and kind congrats are an honor to receive. Thank you for your sponsorship of poetry contests that showcase the poetry of so many. I'm gratified to share the podium with so many brilliant poets/poetesses. Indeed, it is very sad to see so many of our old friends no longer with us. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan
Date: 6/18/2020 5:55:00 AM
superb imagination there is playing in fantastic poetic expression ........superb poem crafted........pleasure to read
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Susan Ashley
Date: 6/18/2020 7:04:00 PM
Mahtab, it is so wonderful to receive your beautiful comments. Thank you, I'm so please to know you enjoyed this piece. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan
Date: 12/4/2018 6:06:00 PM
Hello Susan, wow! this poem is wow! I love the blue jays a beautiful bird. I like their song they sing in the early morn. Have a nice evening my friend.
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Susan Ashley
Date: 12/5/2018 1:16:00 PM
My dear friend, Darlene, I relish your lovely comments and your love for the blue jays, they are beautiful and I love them too. Thank you for the kindness of your visit and for your beautiful thoughts. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Date: 11/30/2018 6:10:00 PM
Hello Dear Susan, Congratulations on POTD!! Extraordinary work too on this most compelling and captivating theme!! I must say "ditto" to John Hamilton's comments below as well in reference to your poem. John's a marvelous poet, as you are too Susan, and he knows great poetry when he sees it. I read your verse here several times -- a pleasure and a treat to do so!! I will only add further: A FAVE TOO!! Best Weekend Wishes, Gary
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/30/2018 8:28:00 PM
Hello dear Gary, your esteemed presence here on my page delights me immensely. Thank you for your meaningful and treasured comments. Yes, my blue jay flies though changeable skies.. I’m thrilled by your wonderful response to my poem and your shining sentiments and your fave are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes my inspiring friend.. ~Susan
Date: 11/30/2018 12:15:00 PM
Beautiful imagery, Susan. Nicely done.
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/30/2018 2:21:00 PM
Your comments are valued Dale. Thank you for your gracious visit and kindness. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Date: 11/21/2018 2:10:00 PM
Unbridled, capricious, combative boreas, just wow! Spectacular writing Susan The bluejay has my profound respect after reading this(not the Toronto bluejays they stunk it up this year) Glad I passed by this gilded lexicon of yours today! I picked up a few new words along the way! Congrats on all the well deserved accolades!
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/22/2018 12:43:00 PM
I can’t tell you how much I truly treasure your comments, John. Your meaningful, uplifting and insightful feedback is inspiring in the heartwarming and generous spirit in which it is as given. Thank you for your kindness and congrats, my friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Date: 11/16/2018 11:13:00 PM
I'm totally swept away with your amazing masterpiece, dear Susan.. Absolutely beautiful.. Your mega talent shines brightly!! Many blessings, my friend..
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/17/2018 6:51:00 PM
My dear friend, I am humbled and honored by your generous appraisal of my poetry. I am so happy you enjoyed my poem and your gracious visit and precious comments fill me with delight. Thank you for your very wonderful kindness, Robertina. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Date: 11/9/2018 3:26:00 PM
a wonderful write, as always, from you, my friend x
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/10/2018 8:17:00 PM
Thank you, Jack, for your gracious visit and beautiful comment. It is so wonderful to hear from you. Warmest wishes my dear friend... ~Susan
Date: 11/9/2018 4:57:00 AM
You are one of the best poets here on soup. Its always a sure pleasure each time I read your poetry. Have a great day dear Susan.
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/10/2018 8:15:00 PM
Pixie, your gracious visit is a joy and I'm honored and humbled to receive such generous and heartwarming words from a beautifully talented poetess such as yourself. Thank you for your lovely comments and I'm so glad that you enjoyed my poem. Warmest wishes my dear friend.. ~Susan
Date: 11/7/2018 6:47:00 PM
Wow, magnificent imagery
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/8/2018 10:04:00 AM
Thank you, Eve for your gracious visit and beautiful comment. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Date: 11/6/2018 6:34:00 PM
wow, Potd. THis is most well deserved, Susan . Congratulations.
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/8/2018 10:05:00 AM
Thank you, Andrea, for your wonderful comments and warm congrats. Your kindness is appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Date: 11/6/2018 4:28:00 PM
POTD...and deservedly so, Susan! Your poems always seem to have a aura of creativity surrounding them. I love the imagery, movement, and the musicality which your alliteration provides so effortlessly. ~ Warm regards & Hugs my friend // paul
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/8/2018 10:15:00 AM
Dear Paul, I relish your lovely thoughts. It is always a pleasure to hear from you and see your encouraging presence here. Your generous comments fill me with appreciation for your kind friendship. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Date: 11/6/2018 10:01:00 AM
Congratulations! It is a well deserved POTD, as this is one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. Had to "fav" it right away. The imagery here blew me away; I can see the birds, the color, the sky; everything is so well described. A perfect pen if there ever was one.
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/8/2018 10:09:00 AM
I am humbled and honored by the generous beauty of your comments and kind congrats, M.L. Such lovely words are a privilege to receive and I hold your lovely thoughts and your fav in my truest appreciation. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Date: 11/5/2018 1:31:00 PM
I am so happy your exquisite poem was chosen for POTD Susan. You know how highly I regarded this poem and faved it! Congratulations my friend! : ) xxoo
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/5/2018 1:59:00 PM
Thank you, Connie, for the delight of your return visit to share your precious thoughts and kind congrats with me. You, my friend, are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Date: 11/5/2018 6:40:00 AM
Susan, I love the imagery in this wonderfully written verse. I could feel the fury of the storm. Congrats on POTD. best wishes. John
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/5/2018 2:04:00 PM
John, it's always a pleasure to hear from you. Thank you for your heartwarming comments and your very kind congrats. Your lovely thoughts are appreciated, my friend. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
Date: 11/5/2018 3:54:00 AM
Congratulations Andrea...I must try a six word couplet...you did it so well...All the best always my friend...
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/5/2018 2:02:00 PM
Hi Arturo, your kind message to Andrea for her POTD honors showed up my page instead.. the wonders of technology.. ;) Always a pleasure to see you though and warmest wishes, mon ami.. ~Susan
Date: 11/5/2018 3:38:00 AM
Love the beginning and all the colorful imagery! An intelligent write! And I see you got POTD! Congratulations on a very creative write, Susan! <3 Kim
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/5/2018 2:05:00 PM
Kim, it’s always a pleasure to see you on my page. I’m so happy you enjoyed my poem, thank you, for your heartwarming comments and congrats. Your kindness is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Date: 11/5/2018 3:13:00 AM
Nice one Andrea, Congrats on being POTD, Blessings, Gordon
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/5/2018 2:01:00 PM
Hi Gordon, your kind message to Andrea for her POTD honors showed up my page instead.. the wonders of technology.. ;) Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Date: 11/4/2018 9:26:00 PM
If I could only be in your mind for one day...lol Such an amazing write my dear friend, Susan. It seems your fingers grow stronger with every delightful poem it creates. Absolutely stunning...As always, warmest wishes to you my very talented and wonderful friend...Congratulations on your well deserved POTD Love & hugs ~Charlieku
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/5/2018 4:46:00 PM
Lol.. I think it would scar you for life if you were in my mind for one day.. haha! Thank you my dear friend, Charlieku, for your heartwarming congrats and your inspiring comments, that speak from your heart and touches mine. I find your presence always uplifting, my kind friend. Warmest wishes, love and hugs.. ~Susan
Date: 11/4/2018 8:30:00 PM
Wow, what a fantastic poem. I really loved it. Congrats on your POTD!
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/5/2018 2:07:00 PM
Thank you, Marilyn, for your wonderfully inspiring comments and kindhearted congrats. Your visit is so appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Date: 11/4/2018 6:46:00 PM
Susan, congratulations on POTD with this beauty ~
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/4/2018 10:05:00 PM
Dear Heart, I truly appreciate your lovely comment and heartwarming congrats. Thank you for your visit. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Date: 11/4/2018 6:35:00 PM
Your thoughts took me there, with the blue jay- on his journey. I felt every moment, the winds chill- the thrill of it all, and then- the destination of where he needed to be. Where he wanted to be. This is beautiful in every way. Congratulations Susan, on Poem of the Day. ~ Brandy
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/5/2018 4:28:00 PM
That you could lose yourself in the verses of my poem touches my heart and thrills me to no end, Brandy. Thank you for giving yourself to this journey with my blue jay, and thank you for sharing your beautiful comments and heartwarming congrats with me. I cherish your precious thoughts. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan
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