Michael Coy Poet Sonnet

The Pressed Flower

These petals held the blush of summer when
you handed me this gift.  It raged with life
still, moments after falling to the knife.
Sweet sap was seeping out.  But that was then.
If once a Ghibelline, it’s now a Guelph.
As taut as parchment, brittle, crackle-thin.
The wine-bowl of its bloom has been crushed-in,
prey to unyielding hardbacks on my shelf.
And if I flip the flimsy skeleton,
palpating it between my fingers: let
these petal-remnants quiver on my lip,
I find the thorns no longer hurt.  And yet
a rose is still a rose.  So, six months on,
I hold it thus... but who is in whose grip?

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Susan Ashley October 26, 2025 at 6:39 PM Dear Michael, your artistic intellect never fails to produce stunning poetry where rich imagery, textured metaphors and soulful expression blends to seamlessly create a masterwork. This sonnet is breathtaking. I adore every palpable and impalpable facet of this awesome gem! Of course, what else but a big FAV! Congratulations for your continued success in Mark’s contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Michael Coy October 26, 2025 at 11:51 PM Susan, you've rendered me speechless. We all enjoy praise, but when it comes from such an accomplished poet, it's very special. Thank you very much! Michael

Mark Toney October 22, 2025 at 10:29 AM Michael, loved your depiction of a dried “bloom” as a symbol of love’s decay, and the historical reference “If once a Ghibelline, it’s now a Guelph…” reflecting shifting loyalties. Your last line brilliantly turns the metaphor inside out. Congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 22 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 23 has already started. Only 4 more miles to go before the Qualifiers’ Final Placement contest! Michael Coy October 22, 2025 at 1:13 PM Once again, Mark, you've come up with a sharp, insightful, poetic review in just a couple of sentences. This ingenious competition has afforded me the most fun I've had om PoetrySoup. Thank you. Michael