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The Sham of My Humanity

Evergreen flavored mantras did nothing to purge bitter bile from my lips nor slake the smoldering thirst for a Rosary remedy. Tick-tock petals unfurled one by one as your poppy shed its last sepal releasing a scarlet sigh across sunset skies whilst I placed a tender kiss upon your twilight. If but for your gossamer bloom in persimmon perfection, I would not hunger for your ambrosial whispers nor rue the earthly drought of undying nectar. I stray, a waif lost with my armful of loss, blind behind the tear-rusted folds of a weeping veil’s eclipse. My psyche a pauper rich in the poverty of penniless promises, empty as echoes in hollow holes ringing with wringing reverberations. In the grasp of atheist fingers I clasp Holy beads tilling cries and whys. Every tear a sorrow sown in brambles, whose sloe fails to ripen sweet redemption in the fertile sham and barren sand of my humanity; crushed by the tusk of this damnable dusk. Susan Ashley April 13, 2020 ~ First Place ~ February 5, 2023 2022 Poetry Marathon Qualifiers' FINAL Placement Poetry Contest Sponsor: Mark Toney ~ First Place ~ Premiere Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 9 Sponsor: Mark Toney ~ Third Place ~ Premiere Contest: Your Best Poem Ever Sponsor: John Hamilton ~ Seventh Place ~ Premiere Contest: Crushed Sponsor: Anthony Biaanco ~ First Place ~ Standard Contest: Your Best Free Verse 2020 Sponsor: John Hamilton

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Unseeking Seeker

Date: 7/31/2023 4:50:00 AM

So delighted to have come across this widely acclaimed masterpiece! A fav I will treasure!

Susan Ashley
Date: 8/1/2023 4:54:00 PM

Dear US, I relish your inspiring response to my poem. Thank you for your precious thoughts and for the high honor of your fav. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Line Gauthier

Date: 3/12/2023 8:38:00 AM

Wow, Susan !!! What a marvelous accomplishment to finish first in Mark's marathon ~ Well deserved obviously!

Susan Ashley
Date: 4/22/2023 7:06:00 AM

Dear Line, thank you! I am truly uplifted by your comments and deeply appreciative of your recognition. So many talented poets who compose breathtaking poetry reside within the pages of PS. I was so very humbled and honored to read their poetry gems during the competition and to have been a part of Mark's wonderful Marathon poetry contest. Mark provided a grand showcase for the golden ink of so many exceptional poets to shine in the hearts and minds of many eager and grateful readers. Please accept my apologies for my late reply. I have been absent from PS for the last month or so. Life has been full and overflowing the brim in wonderful ways these days. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

John Watt

Date: 3/9/2023 11:39:00 AM

Dear PS-PS, I exult with you for this significant win! We have run over hills and through valleys, in rain and sun and wind, but you were the beacon at the front that we all were blessed to be inspired by. I think we can all agree how remarkable you are in your poetic talent, emotional depth, expressiveness, creativity, and diversity, but I am ever an admirerer of your generosity of spirit. Never has that been on display more than during this marathon where you extended such a consistent effort to reply to comments in your grateful, humble manner and encourage fellow participants in your unique, supportive way. I hope you are able to find much joy in this achievement, for you have brought much joy to the pages of Poetry Soup. My vigorous congratulations to you for this awe-inspiring win ~ PoBro (P.S. Your humanity is anything BUT a sham)

Susan Ashley
Date: 4/22/2023 7:54:00 AM

Part 2: Thank you for always being there with me in poetic spirit and creative friendship! Please accept my late reply to your amazing remarks, life has been full and overflowing to the brim in the most wonderful ways these days :) Warmest wishes and hugs.. ever your poetic admirer ~ your PS-PS

Susan Ashley
Date: 4/22/2023 7:53:00 AM

Part 1: Dear PoBro, I revel in the spirit of your inspiring words and relish the emotional impact of your uplifting yet humbling congrats for my final placement in Mark's Marathon contest! Indeed, we ran over hills and through valleys, in rain and sun and wind, and though the head winds could be daunting, we persevered! It was an honor and a great pleasure to share the gleaming podium with you as well, John. The magic of your talent, the depth and breadth of your emotional intelligence radiates with expressive and creative beams from the center of your genuine poet's soul to warm and brighten every nook and cranny of the many hearts and minds and marrow in need of your poetic flair, finesse and enlightenment.

Beata Agustin

Date: 3/7/2023 5:15:00 AM

Wow! Congrats... again! I rejoice with you for this accolade ... as I thank you for sharing your talent. Reading your muse and your poems gives me a delightful learning experience. God bless you.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/22/2023 12:24:00 PM

Dear Beata, your words have the enchanting effect of touching me deeply. Thank you so much for the thoughtful beauty of your comments. That our muses inspire each other is the most delightful poetic gift imaginable. Indeed, it is aways a magical learning experience to share in. Your lovely presence and heartwarming congrats are truly appreciated, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Mark Massey

Date: 3/6/2023 11:25:00 AM

Howdy Susan, It was a great race (that wasn't even close). Lin may have had a chance to catch you but she started too late... so a big CONGRATS goes to you, the undisputed Champ!!. I must say, I truly enjoyed it and am quite surprised to be in the same company with You, Lin, Andrea and John. I was about out of stuff to enter... BTW, I am waiting on a response from Dr. Charlotte Renk, hopefully I hear from her soon. Her daughter, Claire, provided me with her email address.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/22/2023 12:18:00 PM

Dear Mark, thank you. I am elated by your big congrats and your heartwarming words. Indeed, Lin, the ever so talented and gracious poetess, could have easily flipped the 1st and 2nd placements if she would have joined the race at mile 1. It was fantastic to run these many miles with you, my friend. A big congrats for your excellent podium placement as well! I am truly honored to share the dais with you and so happy to see so many of your beautiful poems shine in the winners' circle. Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Charlotte Renk and thank you to her daughter, Claire, as well. Whatever may be, your faith in my poetry means more to me than you can imagine and lifts my spirits to beyond the clouds! Warmest wishes, my inspiring friend.. ~Susan

Valsa George

Date: 3/6/2023 8:26:00 AM

Hi, dear Susan, first, kindly accept my hearty Congratulations on your prestigious top most win in the Marathon Race poetry Contest. "I stray, a waif lost with my armful of loss, blind behind the tear-rusted folds of a weeping veil’s eclipse." I sense the protagonist of this poem tottering under a heavy loss. Adverse circumstances can make one bitter in life. They may shake the very foundation on which one has been rooted.The depth and intensity of this loss has made him/her a changed entity. It reminds me of Hollow Men by T.S. Eliot with a kind of spiritual sterility. I can't explicate your too profound poem Susan. This is beyond my grasp. I salute you great poetess

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/11/2023 8:19:00 AM

Dear Valsa, my wonderful friend, I relish the depth, breadth and beauty of your insightful thoughts. The potent magic of your eloquence is treasured, both in your uplifting comments and impassioned poetry. Thank you for your gracious visit and heartwarming congrats, I am deeply touched by your generous comments and thrilled that your brought mention of T. S Eliot's poem Hollow Men to my poetry page. I have not read it but I will now, thank you for bringing my attention to it. Warmest wishes, you are an inspiration.. ~Susan

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/5/2023 6:27:00 PM

A SOUPER duper winner you are, dear lady. Congrats for your great honor.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/5/2023 8:48:00 PM

Oh, I adore your play on words, Andrea! Your shining presence here is so uplifting. You inspire me, my sweet friend. I've learned so much by reading your amazing poetry and through our comment exchanges. Thank you for your lovely comments and kind congrats, I am filled with gratitude, dear poetess. Your poetic gift is admired! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sandra Haight

Date: 3/5/2023 11:16:00 AM

Dear Susan, I want to offer my sincerest congratulations on your First Place overall win in Mark's 2022 Poetry Marathon! You are so deserving of this choice with your amazing work as such a talented poetess here on Poetry Soup. I am so happy for you!! Hugs, Sandra

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/5/2023 9:05:00 PM

Dear Sandra, I am thrilled and deeply touched by your heartwarming words. It is such an honor to share the podium with you, as I admire your poetic artistry and finesse so very much. The thoughtful, soulful, beauty of your poetry is of the highest caliber always. If I remember correctly, wasn't it you that finished first in the last Poetry Marathon contest? Thank you for your gracious visit and sincerest congrats, your lovely poet's heart shines with kindness, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Lin Lane

Date: 3/5/2023 6:20:00 AM

Dear Susan, ever the poetess extraordinaire. I learned of the Marathon contest just before week 8, but never was there a doubt in my mind that you'd break the finish line tape way ahead of everyone! Your comments to other poets are to be as admired as your fine poetry. The challenge was fun, and although I knew you'd not be caught, it was a pleasure to run with you. Congratulations!

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/5/2023 7:18:00 AM

Dear Lin, ever the creative, expressive poetess with your brilliant daystar pen, I am humbled and honored by your heartfelt and heartwarming words. Indeed, the poetry marathon was a fun challenge. Your amazing gift for poetry elevated the race to extraordinary and I have no doubt that if you had entered the contest at mile 1, the outcome of first and second place may have been reversed. It was a pleasure to run the many miles with you, indulge in your masterworks and deepen our friendship. I'm so glad you joined in the race, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Emile Pinet

Date: 3/4/2023 1:56:00 PM

Congratulations, Susan, on your First Place overall win in Mark's 2022 Poetry Marathon! How you express yourself is what makes your poetry unique, and qualifies it as art. You are a remarkably talented poetess with a kind generous soul, and I for one, am proud to call you my friend, Emile.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/5/2023 7:52:00 AM

Dear Emile, exceptional poet and friend, I am humbled, honored and deeply moved by the heartfelt expression of your thoughts. Your precious words and kind congrats are held in my truest appreciation. I am proud to call you my friend too. Your heart shines both in friendship and poetry! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Mark Toney

Date: 3/4/2023 1:14:00 PM

Susan, congratulations on your First Place, overall win in my 2022 Poetry Marathon! Thank you so much for contributing to the success of the contest. The poems of the 28 qualifiers can be accessed from my current "Finish Line" blog post, along with the top 15 placements and their overall stats. Write on!

Mark Toney
Date: 3/11/2023 10:52:00 PM

Susan, thank you for your very encouraging summation of the 2022 Poetry Marathon, which graciously acknowledges the efforts and contributions of everyone involved. First Place looks good on you!

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/5/2023 8:37:00 PM

Dear Mark, I am both humbled and honored by my final placement in your esteemed Marathon contest. It is such a thrill to share the podium with so many gifted poets and to share in the poetic fellowship created by this wonderful and challenging race. You’ve given poets a grand opportunity to showcase their poetry. I am grateful. Thank you for your heartwarming words of congrats, and congratulations to you, Mark, for organizing such a wonderful experience, and for having the judging stamina for 27 contests! Your Finish Line blog was simply amazing! I adored all the clerihews you composed. Great job and hats off to you, Mark! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Jeff Kyser

Date: 3/4/2023 1:07:00 PM

Congrats on the poem and the win - what an adventure that was! A real challenge, particularly with so many gifted poets knocking it out of the park week after week. Much deserved, and one to tuck away and read again and again.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/5/2023 8:41:00 PM

Dear Jeff, indeed the Poetry Marathon was a fun and challenging adventure. it was a pleasure to run the many miles with you and an honor to share the podium with you. Thank you for your lovely comments and heartwarming congrats, both are held in my deepest appreciation. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 3/4/2023 12:53:00 PM

Susan, I'm back to congratulate you once again for winning the final round of the year long contest that was so much fun. Love your words and voice... your kindness and gentle joy. God bless you, Love, Gina

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/5/2023 7:32:00 AM

Dearest Gina, your return visit warms my heart. Indeed, the poetry marathon was fun! Thank you for taking the time to share your precious thoughts and heartwarming congrats with me. I embrace you in friendship and hold you always in my heart. Warmest wishes, my sweet friend.. ~Susan

Greg Gaul

Date: 8/9/2022 11:58:00 AM

Why didn't I read this before? It redoubles my hopes in poetry... maybe there is hope even for me. Thank God for you.

Susan Ashley
Date: 8/14/2022 7:11:00 PM

Dear Greg, how wonderful to see you and receive your beautiful thoughts. Thank you, my friend, I appreciate you and your amazing poetry so much! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

John Watt

Date: 8/5/2022 10:36:00 AM

Dearest PS-PS, I am only two miles behind in my comments, but I had to take a moment to wish you my sincere congrats for your #1 in Mile 9, and your continued success in the marathon with this fabulous tour de force. I echo Gary's comment that your command of the English language is mind boggling and swoon worthy. Sam said it best with "the hypnotic magic of your words". I see from your reply to me below the possible genesis of my moniker PoBro? Warmly ~ your PoBro

Susan Ashley
Date: 8/7/2022 9:04:00 AM

Dearest PoBro, indeed, the reply to you below might well have been the genesis of your wonderful moniker.. :) I'm so happy that you brought it to fruition in its condensed form that is simply perfect!! Your comments are thrilling and such a joy to receive. Thank you, John, for your expressive enthusiasm and encouragement that keeps me moving forward in my poetic journey. Your precious thoughts mean the world to me and let me know that I'm on the right track. I'm ever honored by your friendship and humbled by the kindness of your genuine heart. Warmest wishes and hugs.. your PS-PS

Sam Kauffman

Date: 8/1/2022 9:48:00 AM

Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, once again I am just simply blown away by the hypnotic magic of your words - "evergreen flavored mantras," "every tear a sorrow sown in brambles." Your words of pathos reach deep into the grieving soul that feels the grip of emptiness crying out for the touch of grace. Congratulations on your trophy win! Sending blessings on wings of hope poetry sis!

Susan Ashley
Date: 8/1/2022 10:37:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, I am thrilled by your beautiful and insightful response to my poem. You magical mind dovetails with the emotions of my poem so smoothly. Thank you for experiencing the pathos in this piece with me. You always feel my words so deeply and completely, my sweet poetry sis. Your precious thoughts and kind congrats are held in the truest chamber of my heart, where your golden friendship is kept as well. Warmest wishes on wings of poetic kinship.. ~Susan

Gary Radice

Date: 7/29/2022 3:36:00 PM

Congratulations Susan. Really well done. Your command of the English language is mind boggling. Just wonderful. I can envisage this remarkable piece being read out loud with much passion as a soliloquy on stage. Cheers - Gary

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/31/2022 9:48:00 AM

Dear Gary, I treasure your beautiful comments and kind congrats. Oh, I love your idea! Now, who could we find to perform this as a soliloquy on stage.. maybe James Earl Jones or Julie Andrews! :).. because God knows I could never do it justice.. not a dramatic vocal bone in my body lol! Thank you, my friend, your wonderful thoughts lift me with elation! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/28/2022 12:15:00 PM

wow, awesome descriptions to elicit emotion here. Very well done, and congrats on your trophy win.

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/31/2022 9:35:00 AM

Dear Andrea, I relish your lovely comments and heartfelt congrats. Thank you for your precious thoughts, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Lin Lane

Date: 7/28/2022 7:46:00 AM

Congratulations on crossing the finish line first in mile 9, Susan. You wrote these wonderful lines while I was away from the Soup. I'm delighted for the opportunity to read your poetic skill today. There is always such graciousness in your comments to others on their successes, and THAT is the way in which poets should respond to each other... with encouragement and sincere support. Race on!

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/31/2022 9:32:00 AM

Dear Lin, I am so glad that you're back at PS. Your gift for poetry and your flair for insightful comments add a precious luster to the value of PS. The power and passion of your eloquence is treasured. I relish the beauty of your thoughts and heartwarming congrats, they touch my heart deeply. Thank you, Lin, you are truly an inspiration to me. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Anitha Jayasankar

Date: 7/28/2022 4:02:00 AM

Dear Susan, what a masterpiece this is... Excellent awesome piece of poetic expression... No words to say... Every time I read your poems, or even your comments to others' as well as my poems, am extremely amazed by your poetic prowess... Just by reading your poems, I have learnt a lot... Thank you for the GREAT inspiration my friend... Your usage of many poetic devices with so much ease is mesmerizing... "pauper rich in poverty"... oxymoron, and the beautiful alliterations etc etc... Congratulations on your much deserving TOP win... Big hugs... ~ Ani

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/31/2022 9:14:00 AM

Dearest Ani, I am both humbled and honored by your expressive comments and heartwarming congrats. Thank you for experiencing the emotions of this poem with me. Your eloquent comments touch me very deeply. As poets we learn and grow by sharing the gift of inspiration, as well as the gift of poetic friendship.. thank you, Ani, for sharing both wondrous gifts with me. The radiance of your poetry and friendship inspires me greatly and I grow in your circle of light. You are ever appreciated, my sweet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Brian Sambourne

Date: 7/27/2022 7:01:00 PM

Greetings Susan, Many congratulations on your top placement, so well deserved. Best wishes, always. Brian

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/31/2022 8:24:00 AM

Hi Brian, it's so wonderful to see you! Your heartwarming congrats are truly appreciated. Thank you for your gracious visit and comment, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 7/27/2022 3:00:00 PM

Wow. A profound piece... Written, as usual, with a inspiration that stills the heart. God bless you and Congrats on your top win. Love, Gina

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/31/2022 8:21:00 AM

Dear Gina, the heartfelt beauty of your precious comments still my heart. Thank you, my inspiring friend, for your beautiful thoughts and kind congrats. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 7/27/2022 2:35:00 PM

I am sorry I missed reading this one Susan, it was right about the time my husband passed away and I missed so many poems then. Congratulations on winning this much deserved trophy. This poem is a marvel and I am Faving it. Blessings xxoo

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/31/2022 8:19:00 AM

Dear Connie, you touch my heart so very deeply, no need to ever worry about missing a poem or 1000 poems, especially when tragic life-altering events are right in front of you. I appreciate you, your genuine heart, your heartfelt poetry so very much, and I cherish your beautiful comments, my dear friend. Your heartwarming congrats and the high honor of your fav are received with my truest gratitude. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 7/27/2022 1:38:00 PM

Congratulations on your win. WOW!!! A "Wonderful" write/story. Love your line, "In the grasp of atheist fingers I clasp Holy beads tilling cries and whys." Have a great/blessed day.......................

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/27/2022 8:34:00 PM

Dear Paula, your lovely presence brings a smile to my heart. Thank you for your beautiful comments and kind congrats, they are truly appreciated, my sweet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Ann Peck

Date: 7/27/2022 11:25:00 AM

Dear Susan, Your poem is breathtaking in its beauty and depth. while every line is worth gold, I love ~ releasing a scarlet sigh across sunset skies, whilst I placed a tender kiss upon your twilight ~ And what a great study in alliteration your poem is! Congratulations on first place!

Susan Ashley
Date: 7/27/2022 8:32:00 PM

Dear Ann, I'm so pleased to know you enjoyed the 'scarlet sigh' line.. it's one of my favorite lines in this poem too. Your beautiful comments and heartwarming congrats are received with my deepest appreciation. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan