Susan Ashley Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

March 4, 2018

This poem is dedicated to Marissa Kennedy, a 10 year old child in Maine, who died of child abuse at the hands of her step-father and mother in 2018. My heavy heart goes out to the vulnerable victims of child abuse who suffer, endure, and unfortunately die when families, schools, society and "the system", set up to protect them, ultimately fails them. Rest in peace, dear Marissa.

~ Fourth Place ~
Premiere Contest: 2025 Poetry Marathon Mile 8
Sponsor: Mark Toney

~ Second Place ~
Premiere Contest: Your Choice Again
Sponsor: Brian Strand

~Third Place~
Premiere Contest: Favorite Free Verse (not for contest)
Sponsor: Laura Loo

~ Poem of The Day ~
March 5, 2018

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Violin Notes Fall From Heaven No More

Her trembling twilight 
dims with streaking purple tears
bruised by youthful years of bleeding pain
hurting but never hugged—
locked in arms of atmosphere’s apathy
that smeared with fiendish fingers
a contusing plum palette
across any hope in her godforsaken horizon—

this sorrowful songbird 
who sings with the shattered purity 
of violin strains falling from Heaven
finds her bemoaning musical notes adrift—
lost on breezy deaf days
as she is once again thrown down 
from the self-serving skyscape 
by the hateful hands of wildcat winds.

In the deep inkwell
of lullaby-less lonely nights
where never a tender nursery rhyme
has ever set her free
are memories scribed of storm-battered days
and weighing heavily on Libra’s scales
are the injustices 
of dreams she will never live
nor flights of fancy she will never take
as her sire of solar scorch and temper flare
—a warpath warrior against her springtime
sleeps soundly on a bloated bed
over-stuffed with betrayal and broken promises
while her merciless maternal moon— 
distant and cloud covered
does not bother to wander the coal haze
with a lantern’s sharp beam 
to cut through stranglehold-folds of darkness 
to cast a light upon; to rescue her fractured form— 

an angel beckons as breath and beat fade
her guardian as she passes through Earth's shadow
beyond the coldness of mother-moon's umbra 
following to where warm sugar-stars soprano sing.

Tonight— a stricken sparrow 
folds her fledgling wings never to fly again…
will land or air ever miss her?

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Valsa George August 25, 2025 at 11:33 PM This is such a heart wrenching story told in the most touching way. There are thousands of such children who are denied motherly warmth and are destined to suffer and finally perish in the hands of cruel step parents. "In the deep inkwell of lullaby-less lonely nights where never a tender nursery rhyme has ever set her free are memories scribed of storm-battered days".... How poignantly you have detailed her orphancy! Whenever I see an urchin in the streets, my heart goes out to him/her. I can sense that you are essentially compassionate, dear Susan. I am thankful to God that God has given me compassion. Congratulations dear Susan on your well deserved win in the Marathon. Susan Ashley September 7, 2025 at 10:54 AM Dearest Valsa, the beauty of your empathy shines in your heartfelt response to my poem. You have a compassionate spirit and your heart glows with the pain your feel for others less fortunate and suffering. I'm honored to know you, sweet Valsa, to call you my poet friend. I'm also honored and humbled to receive your recognition for my poem and your kind congrats. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imageries of this piece with me. Warmest wishes, my dear friend.. ~Susan

David Crandall August 24, 2025 at 8:40 AM Heartbreakingly sad. I read these stories, and can't believe them...even though I know they are absolutely true. Susan Ashley August 24, 2025 at 9:10 AM Dear David, the brute force, the inhumane treatment and violence inflicted upon children, causing great suffering and death, at the hands of parents or caregivers is truly gut and heart-wrenching.. especially when interventions are available but not acted upon. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this poem of heartbreak with me.. your compassion shines.. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan

Andrea Dietrich August 19, 2025 at 9:58 PM Such a tragic life that is endured by far too many children. Great write. Congrats Susan Ashley August 20, 2025 at 7:09 PM Dear Andrea, indeed, far too many children. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem with me. The heartbreaking story of Marissa has stayed with me all these years later. Your kind congrats are received with appreciation. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan

Mark Toney August 19, 2025 at 8:15 PM Susan, I read and judged your exceptional poem without the benefit of your poetry notes. Now that I’m able to read your notes about Marissa Kennedy and her tragic circumstances, it’s full meaning has opened up to me. A Fav poem for me. Congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 8 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 9 has already started. Susan Ashley August 20, 2025 at 7:30 PM Dear Mark, thank you for sharing in the tragic imagery and emotions of this poem with me. Marisa’s heartbreaking story has stayed with me these many years. Thank you for my poem’s placement in your esteemed contest, I feel it honors Marissa’s memory by bringing attention to the horrors of child abuse. Your response to the poem and your kind congrats are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan

Craig Cornish August 19, 2025 at 7:34 PM This is poignancy on steroids Dear Susan - brings the reader to tears with helplessness...and shame! Susan Ashley August 20, 2025 at 7:12 PM Dear Craig, your heartfelt response to my poem touches me deeply. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this poem. I’ll never forget the tragic life story of Marissa. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Ghairo Daniels August 19, 2025 at 7:22 PM Congrats, Susan. An immortal poem tenderly woven to depict a horror of human life. She is resting in Peace her Purity no longer shattered. ThkU for this gift.x. Susan Ashley August 20, 2025 at 7:19 PM Dear Ghairo, indeed, Marissa’s purity is serene and whole as she rests in a peace that she didn’t know in life. Thank you for heartfelt comments and for sharing in the emotions of this poem. Your kind congrats are appreciated. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan

Lonna Blodgett January 18, 2024 at 2:58 PM Having invested a great deal of my life working with the Foster Care System, your words struck deep and mightily. It was hard to swallow after reading it. It is in itself a masterpiece of empathy. I applaud this wonderful effort!!! Health and Happiness Lonna Susan Ashley January 20, 2024 at 8:39 AM Dear Lonna, it's wonderful to see you! Thank you for sharing in the heavy emotions of this heartbreaking poem with me. I can see why this piece would have touched the depth and breadth of your being so completely. Your soulful comments are both moving and highly valued. Thank you my poetic friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Silent One January 6, 2024 at 1:40 PM I remember this...would have been my number one...Congratulations on your placement in the contest.. Susan Ashley January 9, 2024 at 12:02 PM Dear Silent One, I know you feel a great empathy for the "stricken sparrows" who suffer the sorrows and pain of child abuse. Thank you for having faith in my poetry. Your valued words are my "golden trophy". Your gracious comments and kind congrats are truly appreciated, dear poet. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Janice Canerdy January 6, 2024 at 7:10 AM Your "stricken sparrow" reached out to me and broke my heart for all the millions she represents. CONGRATS on your win with this vividly descriptive piece, Susan. Janice Susan Ashley January 9, 2024 at 11:57 AM Dear Janice, thank you for sharing in the sad emotions of this poem with me. The beauty of your empathy shines for the all of the "stricken sparrows" Marissa represents. Your gracious visit and kind congrats are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sotto Poet January 6, 2024 at 6:20 AM Your exceptional ability to craft a truly remarkable poem, replete with vivid imagery, seamless rhythm, and boundless imagination, is truly awe-inspiring, dear Susan. The profound emotional resonance of your words has resonated deeply within me, as you have artfully depicted the human experience with such poignant clarity. It is no surprise that your poem has garnered the coveted title of "POTD" and I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Susan Ashley January 9, 2024 at 12:13 PM Dear Lasaad, thank you for sharing in the sad emotions and imagery of this poem. Your empathy shines. This poem is very near and dear to my heart as I empathize greatly with the horrific plight of all the "stricken sparrows" of child abuse. Though she lived in another state and I didn't know her, Marissa's tragic story in the news touched me very deeply. Nearly six years later I still think about her and her suffering. Your thoughtful critique of my poem is encouraging and I am honored to receive your valued comments and your kind congrats. Thank you once again, my poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Sotto Poet January 6, 2024 at 6:20 AM Your masterful use of metaphors and impeccable choice of language adds a layer of exquisite beauty to this already exceptional piece. Your eloquent and skillful portrayal of the anguish and desolation experienced by someone who has endured profound suffering, bereft of affection and understanding, is truly captivating. Congratulations on your contest win.

Martins Deep March 26, 2018 at 8:28 AM Lovely imagery here Susan Ashley. Susan Ashley March 26, 2018 at 3:58 PM Thank you Martins Deep, for the delight of your visit and your heartwarming comment. It's a pleasure to meet you.. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Caren Krutsinger March 25, 2018 at 11:40 PM The alliteration in this image-laden poem is the result of a refined word player, who has pulled out all of the stops. Good for you, you have gone for it, and it's perfection, Susan. Susan Ashley March 26, 2018 at 4:03 PM Caren, your amazing comments are refreshing and uplifting. Your sentiments are truly beautiful and sincerely appreciated. Thank you for your lovely kindness, my friend. Warmest wishes. ~ Susan

Roy Pett March 22, 2018 at 11:40 AM Back with congratulations again for your well deserved win Susan in Laura’s contest with your excellent poem. :)) Susan Ashley March 22, 2018 at 4:07 PM Thank you Roy for your wonderful comments and warmhearted congrats. Your kindness is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Laura Leiser March 22, 2018 at 11:29 AM Such dramatic verse in your excellent free verse, Susan! Congrats on your win :) Susan Ashley March 22, 2018 at 4:06 PM Your precious thoughts are so very appreciated Laura. Thank you for your kind words and heartwarming congrats. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Beautiful Scars March 22, 2018 at 6:07 AM wow! amazing poem sweet lady, everything about it is so emotive and the imagery is great too :) thank you and congratulations! :)-luloo Susan Ashley March 22, 2018 at 8:13 AM Luloo, your lovely comments are cherished. Thank you for the honor of my wonderful placement in your contest and for your heartwarming congrats. Your sponsorship is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Akkina Downing March 14, 2018 at 10:07 PM Whilst I was reading it, I was thinking it should be POTD or POTW. And it was a POTD... Yey, congrats my friend! It's such a magnificent piece. Emotional but of course SO BEAUTIFUL :) With all my loves ~ Kina ~ Susan Ashley March 16, 2018 at 1:47 PM Hi my wonderful friend! Thank you, Kina, for your enthusiastic encouragement and support of my poetry. Your approval means the world to me. I relish your beautiful thoughts and deeply appreciate your heartfelt congrats. Hugs and sizzle love to you always, dearest friend. ~Su

Line Gauthier March 13, 2018 at 9:40 AM Congrats on your POTD, Susan. Such a dark emotionally charged write. Beautifully done. Susan Ashley March 13, 2018 at 11:22 AM Thank you Line for your heartwarming congrats and wonderful comments. Your encouraging sentiments are always truly appreciated! Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Connie Marcum Wong March 13, 2018 at 2:10 AM Back to congratulate you on POTD Susan. This is such a beauty! : ) Susan Ashley March 13, 2018 at 11:20 AM I cherish your lovely comments and kind congrats Connie. Thank you! Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Joseph P. DiMino March 12, 2018 at 5:37 PM Trilling poetry, Susan; l love the violin, have several but barely can play one well. Though every now and then I surprise myself with a beautiful trill. Music comes from the soul of life--every beautiful work, a happiness...and every sad one, a wingless sparrow or a child left to wonder of misery and truth. Maybe even question God. Atheists are made not born. Gorgeous sensitivity in this work of yours. Outstanding imagery! Susan Ashley March 13, 2018 at 11:19 AM Joe, your comments are filled with illuminating and beautiful insights. I truly admire your wonderful intellect and spirituality and I relish your thoughtful sentiments and visits my friend.. Your appreciation for my work just thrills me!! Thank you! Warmest wishes always. ~Susan

Probir Gupta March 12, 2018 at 7:05 AM The touchingly beautiful last four lines I like the most ... congratulations on the POTD , Susan ... Susan Ashley March 13, 2018 at 11:11 AM Dear Probir, your visit and heartfelt comments are deeply appreciated. Thank you for your kindhearted congrats and for your cherished friendship.. ~Susan

Nette Onclaud March 11, 2018 at 2:32 PM such an engaging piece worthy of a POTD, susan... congrats and huggs Susan Ashley March 11, 2018 at 7:19 PM Thank you Nette for the delight of your visit and your wonderful comments. Your kind congrats are treasured as well. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Paulina Wodarz March 10, 2018 at 11:03 PM So beautiful and emotional! Great write Susan!-Paulina Susan Ashley March 11, 2018 at 11:02 AM Your lovely visit is a delight Paulina. Thank you for your precious thoughts with your wonderful comments. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Jan Allison March 10, 2018 at 5:53 PM such a poignant poem Susan and belated congrats on POTD:-) hugs Jan xx Susan Ashley March 10, 2018 at 7:01 PM Thank you Jan for your lovely thoughts and kindhearted congrats. I relish your heartfelt comments and delight in your visit. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Jack Horne March 10, 2018 at 10:34 AM love this beautiful & moving write, my friend Susan Ashley March 10, 2018 at 11:46 AM Your beautiful comments are truly appreciated Jack. Your visit is a pleasure.. Thank you my friend. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

Kim Rodrigues March 10, 2018 at 7:38 AM Very emotive poem! Congrats on POTD Susan Ashley March 10, 2018 at 10:22 AM Thank you Kim for your lovely visit.. Your wonderful comments and warmhearted congrats are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes. ~Susan

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