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Where Shadows Flatter Despair

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February 25, 2024

No– shadows do not love the angles of your face. Reflection in a cage; the mirror— enemy in atmosphere of age, no.. shadows do not love the smoother skin of youth. Your worries; furrow wears, a trench where troops retreat, —accumulated years. No! shadows do not love mascara and soft light; distracts from sense of time and wishes drowned in wells… damn clock’s incessant chime— no, shadows do not love the wrinkles and the lines. They etch your map their ink; topography of life where sun o’er valleys sink.

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Paige Hind

Date: 3/20/2024 7:06:00 PM

Gosh, I love this- it seems to make me think of the briefness of life itself, and how shadows still do not change. Amazing art- just beautiful

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/21/2024 11:31:00 AM

Dear Paige, soulful poetess, your gracious comments are a thrill to receive. Your insightful soul sees into the heart of my poem with clarity and finesse. Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts. I am humbled and honored by your kindness. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 3/7/2024 10:16:00 AM

Hi Susan my dear dear friend, your poem reminds us of how the years pass but as my grandfather once said, who was also a poet, if i close my eyes my whole life flashes by in 5 minutes. I have never wished to be younger, but accept that the passage of time alters our looks, but I pay tribute to my life. I love how your poem faces the reality of life and it's aging consequences, but c'est la vie. Your astounding poetry I always relish reading - hugs, blessings, Jennifer.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/9/2024 8:16:00 AM

Dearest Jennifer, my shing poetry sis, indeed, "c'est la vie." Your response to my poem is inspiring and is received with my truest appreciation. You're a natural woman, embracing time as it hones your being with its softened beauty and finesse. I feel the same way as you do, as we are connected in our philosophies on life, womanhood, motherhood, family and living in the moment. It's wonderful to know that your grandfather was a poet too.. it runs in the family, sweet talented poetess. Thank you for shining your lovely light upon my poem and my heart. I embrace you and your exquisite poetry. Warmest wishes and hugs sent across the sun spangled waves.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman

Date: 3/6/2024 11:22:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, your rich words articulate the passage of time on our faces with profound and wistful images that flow so easily from your pen in a gentle stream. Love "damn clock's incessant chime!" Truly, time marches on in the ticking of a clock. What a wonderful metaphor. Your poetic magic leaves me breathless! If this is for a contest, best wishes for a win for it is a profound write. Sending you blessings not in "shadows" but in the grace of sunlight sweet poetry sis!

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/9/2024 8:06:00 AM

My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, I'm overjoyed to receive your touching response to my poem. Indeed, time marches on doesn't it, ever faster as the days and years go by. Your golden presence graces my poem like the youthful light of dawn, with brightness, clarity and the generosity of your poetic spirit. I embrace both your spirit and your thoughts. Thank you, my sweet poetry sis, for shining on my page. You and your exquisite poetry are ever appreciated. Warmest wishes sent on rays of the new day.. ~Susan

Ink Empress

Date: 3/4/2024 6:44:00 AM

Gosh, that refrain is so powerful and made me feel so much dear sweet susan, poetic soul, your way with expressing is special and has an authentic vibe to it, which i truly admire and that line “ shadows do not love” made me think in so many different ways, powerful it is! Sometimes our biggest enemy is our reflection, what the mirror shows as time goes by we do not appreciate, topography of life and acceptance so well delivered here. It is always my pleasure reading your work.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/9/2024 7:53:00 AM

Dear Empress, poetic North Star, I'm thrilled to receive your insightful response to my poem. Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts with me. It's gratifying to know that the refrain moved you in different ways, I especially appreciate your words on that, dear poetess. Your presence lights my page with the glow of your heart and soul. Warmest wishes, my poetry friend.. ~Susan

Jcb Brul

Date: 3/3/2024 11:15:00 PM

how can I forget this poem? while reading this I felt like being transported to a world of Frost and Wordsworth's pen. Majestic write.

Susan Ashley
Date: 3/5/2024 6:36:00 PM

My dear friend, Jcb, it's so wonderful to see you! I revel in your uplifting response to my poem. I'm humble and honored by your mention of Frost and Wordsworth in your lovely comments, as I adore them both. You're far too kind. Thank you my dear poetry friend. Your words are received with joy and appreciation. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 2/29/2024 8:10:00 AM

Dear Susan, Your poem is a wonderful exploration of the relationship between shadows and aging, beautifully crafted with vivid imagery and profound reflection. Your words convey a sense of acceptance and reverence for the passage of time, acknowledging the marks it leaves on our faces as a testament to our experiences and journeys. This is an evocative piece that celebrates the beauty of life's journey, wrinkles and all. - Blessings, Daniel

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/29/2024 8:27:00 AM

Dear Daniel, it's always a great pleasure to find your thoughtful and meaningful comments gracing one of my poems. Indeed, our faces wear the impressions of life's journey upon our skin and in our facial expression. Shadows find their home within the furrows and grooves of aging skin - smooth youthful skin does not offer them such a cozy place to settle in. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this piece with me. Your insightful thoughts are received with joy and appreciation. Warmest wishes my esteemed poet friend.. ~Susan

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 2/29/2024 1:39:00 AM

When I see some woman with her face all in color, long eyelashes and terrible lipstick color, I say she's old. Lovely ideas. Great poetic form.

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/29/2024 8:10:00 AM

Dear Victor, it's true that too much make-up can age a woman's face instead of enhancing its beauty. Terrible lipstick color is a big no-no! There's never an excuse for that. Thank you for your gracious visit and valued comments, my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Robert Schatz

Date: 2/28/2024 11:27:00 PM

To borrow from Frederic's comment, your poem exudes wisdom. Wisdom and timelessness. The shadows know no bounds...

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/29/2024 8:07:00 AM

Dear Robert, your thoughtful words are filled with "wisdom and timelessness" that reflects the depth of your poet's soul. Indeed, "The shadows know no bounds..." a profound expression, my friend. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this piece with me. Your valued thoughts are received with joy and appreciation. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Frederic Parker

Date: 2/28/2024 7:33:00 AM

dear poet, dear friend, your wisdom shines through in this poem, the last line expresses finality, as shadows disappear when the sun sets...Frederic

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/29/2024 8:04:00 AM

Dear friend, dear poet, your poet's soul easily sees into the heart of this poem. Indeed, "shadows disappear when the sun sets..." beautifully said dear Frederic. Thank you for sharing in the emotions of this piece with me. Your esteemed thoughts are received with joy and appreciation. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Jerry Brotherton

Date: 2/26/2024 5:38:00 PM

Susan, this is a wonderful poem filled with fantastic imagery. Shadows do not show the lines of age or imperfections. Have a blessed day.

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/26/2024 6:12:00 PM

Dear Jerry, thank you for your gracious visit. Your wonderful comments are received with joy and appreciation. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 2/26/2024 4:53:00 PM

your poem was filled with beautiful imagery. I can identify with your words and your imagery...don't care for how the shadows make me look...trying hard to accept it all. I liked 'topography of life.' Your words brought a smile to my face. :-) have a great evening...am faving, hugs, Sara

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/26/2024 5:29:00 PM

Dear Sara, insightful poetess, welcoming the changes that come with age can be liberating, though I'd say it does takes practice to accept it all with grace. I'm pleased to know you like that particular verse.. I'm pretty fond of it too :) Your words have brought a smile to my face. Thank you for your kindness and for the grand honor of your fav. Warmest wishes and hugs my sweet friend.. ~Susan

Jim Slaughter

Date: 2/26/2024 10:21:00 AM

Elegant imagery, Susan. This is a new form for me, too.

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/26/2024 5:21:00 PM

Dear Jim, Your gracious visit and heartwarming words are received with appreciation. Thank you for your kindness. You should try this poetry form, your gifted pen would shine within its frame! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Speaks Volumes

Date: 2/26/2024 4:14:00 AM

Yes loved your poem Susan, shadows can be flattering when it comes to age They are kindest to my wrinkles and don't even highlight my greying hair, but I still have a complaint with the way shadows depict my shape !!!!!! Beaut poem, well thought out and written by the hand of a talented poet. From your "not so skinny" friend Wen

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/26/2024 5:17:00 PM

Dear Wen, inspiring poetess, I'm delighted by your gracious visit and heartwarming words. Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts with me. Your kindness is humbling. I prefer the word "shapely" to "not so skinny" my lovely friend and beautiful soul :) Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 2/25/2024 9:18:00 PM

Although the form of this poem is new to me, its elegant meaningfulness and beauty touched me deeply. Wonderful writing, my friend. :)

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/27/2024 3:01:00 PM

So happy to hear that dear Evelyn. I look forward to enjoying the beauty of your verse framed in the monchielle stanza form. Happy writing my sweet friend:)

Evelyn Judy Buehler
Date: 2/26/2024 9:18:00 PM

Thank you for your kind words, my friend. I admit I am intrigued, and I do believe I will give the monchielle stanza a try. It's a beautiful form. Best of wishes. :)

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/26/2024 5:12:00 PM

Dear Evelyn, gifted poetess, your beautiful comments are received with joy and appreciation. I'm heartened to know that my poem touched you deeply. Thank you for sharing your inspiring thoughts with me. Warmest wishes my friend.. ~Susan P.S. you should give this poetry form a try, your golden pen would shine in this format :)

Aurore Severo

Date: 2/25/2024 8:16:00 PM

You made me smile, lovely poetry.

Susan Ashley
Date: 2/25/2024 8:42:00 PM

Dear Aurore, I’m so glad to know my poem made you smile. Thank you for your wonderful visit and kind words.. you made me smile. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan