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Whispers Of Autumn

Beneath the sunset, snug upon blue hills
are stalks of corn; a standing army gold   
but long, their shadows fall like swords that stills
a weary legion cold with growing old. 

Like soldiers dug in trenches they hold ground —so holy.
They hug their summer-season-dreams of youth.
The sun, their crown, now spurns them burned and browned —unholy!
Nor’easters shred what’s left with claw and tooth…

Oh, solstice rays once  s  w  e  e  t  as sugar maize, 
the shadows short as days were long. The throng 
of lazy mornings bathed in earthbound haze,
ah, leaves raised higher by the evensong. 

September swans press wings in hum against the freeze; 
a whisper to the rooted to concede to Autumn’s seize.


(Contemporary Sonnet)

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Ricky Muse Date: 10/28/2024 10:47:00 AM It is so sad that because of global warming the seasons are changing, becoming shorter if you will which makes your lovely poem even more bitter sweet. I dig the metaphor "a whisper to the rooted to concede". Thanks for sharing............peace! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/28/2024 7:10:00 PM Dear Richard, it's wonderful to see you! I agree with you about the effects of global warming. I see the effects of it all around me and you do too.. like you said, it is so sad. I'm glad you enjoyed my poem, though yes, bittersweet. I adore Autumn, but I'm afraid we're losing its true essence. Thank you, my esteemed friend, your insightful comments are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Deb M Date: 9/30/2024 8:59:00 AM Susan belated Congratulations on POTD! What a true gift you have with your amazing imagery and words…..you take the reader on a journey there filled with all the emotions of your words! Such a talent you possess! Lovely …..Debx Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/6/2024 8:06:00 AM Dear Deb, my inspiring poet friend, thank you for your kind congrats and uplifting response to my poem. Indeed, I am deeply touched and truly honored by your kindness. The magic of your thoughts have the dual power to both humble me and lift my spirits high! Warmest wishes my sweet friend.. ~Susan

Karen Croft Date: 9/24/2024 6:55:00 AM Congratulations on your win! Lovely sonnet! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/6/2024 8:02:00 AM Dear Karen, thank you for your gracious visit and kind congrats. Your warm words are a delight to receive. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Suzanne Delaney Date: 9/23/2024 3:37:00 PM I knew your poem would place high, Susan. Here to congratulate you and read this wonderful sonnet once more. SuZ Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/6/2024 8:00:00 AM Dear SuZ, your return visit with your kind congrats are touching and most appreciated. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and for partaking in my poem once again. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan

John Lawless Date: 9/23/2024 1:04:00 PM loved this take on the theme Susan. A metaphoric battle for domain of the natural state "the stalks of corn a standing army gold" I shall never see another corn field without flashing back to this poem and that line. Thank you for participating....oh, and on POTD Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 10/6/2024 7:56:00 AM Dear John, thank you for my poem's placement in your esteemed contest. It's a joy to receive your inspiring comments and kind congrats, and an honor to share the podium with the creative poets listed. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Mark Springer Date: 9/11/2024 3:11:00 AM Too corny. Just kidding. Your poems are imaginative, and have great metaphors, similes, and description. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/11/2024 5:41:00 AM Dear Mark! Your comments are a-maize-ing! Lol! I relish your gracious visit with a giggle and sincere appreciation. Thank you for sharing your inspiring and valued thoughts with me. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Silent One Date: 9/5/2024 1:01:00 PM Loved your Lawless sonnet.. The metaphor of soldiers dug into trenches conveys a sense of determination and persistence, as the corn holds its ground despite the inevitable decline. The fields, like soldiers clinging to memories of their "summer-season-dreams of youth," resist the changing season but are ultimately "spurned" by the sun as they burn and brown, signalling a loss of vitality. The coming Nor'easters, with their "claw and tooth," personify the harshness of winter, stripping away the remnants of summer's warmth and leaving the field vulnerable. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/7/2024 8:14:00 AM Dear Silent One, I delight in your wonderful visit! Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. Your assessment beautifully captures its essence. I'm so happy to know that you loved my Lawless sonnet. I enjoyed the challenge our esteemed poet friend, John, put forth. Warmest wishes my inspiring friend.. ~Susan

Paul Callus Date: 9/5/2024 1:01:00 PM I believe this contest was meant specifically for you, Susan :) You are not afraid to purposely "break a few rules" and at the same time remind us that you are a mistress of meter and rhyme. Congrats on p.o.t.d. my friend. Warm regards & Hugs // paul Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/6/2024 12:49:00 PM Dear Paul, indeed, I have always been a rebel much to the chagrin of my parents many many years ago, and I guess I have a bit of rebel in me still lol! I smile at your mention of "mistress of meter and rhyme".. you've been a great encouragement in my development of both skills over the past years that I've been on the soup. I've always considered you the master of meter and rhyme, and of course, a great mentor too! :) Thank you for your inspiring comments and kind congrats my friend. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 9/4/2024 10:45:00 AM Hello Susan, Yes the season has changed. I have noticed the leaves already changing colors slowly. It is cooler now. How I wish summer was a longer season. I am not qa fan of winter. Hugs. /lDarlene/ Login to Reply Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 9/6/2024 10:12:00 AM Hello Susan, I appreciate you Susan and you poetry. I like our friend. Hugs. /Darlene/Warm wishes . /Darlene/ Susan Ashley Date: 9/6/2024 7:52:00 AM Dear Darlene, yes change is inevitable, in the leaves, the seasons, in ourselves. Your lovely thoughts are eloquently expressed and many people feel as you do... we wish the summer would linger a bit longer... or never end at all. Thank you for your beautiful comments my sweet friend. I appreciate you and your poetry friendship. Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan

Valsa George Date: 9/3/2024 10:16:00 PM Hi dear Susan, what a wonderful poem on Autumn. The ripe golden corn being compared to standing army guards is so striking. "their shadows fall like swords that stills a weary legion cold with growing old." Wow ! "September swans press wings in hum against the freeze a whisper to the rooted to concede to Autumn’s seize." How poetic is the ending. Leaving aside all familiar imagery, you have adopted unique images that mark the end of summer and the onslaught of autumn. Missed seeing this as POTD. Congratulations sweet poet. You always excel ! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/6/2024 7:47:00 AM Dearest Valsa, I embrace your beautiful poetic spirit with appreciation and joy! I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my autumn poem. I relish your esteemed thoughts and cherish your poetry friendship. Your golden kindness shines upon my page and lights the depths of my heart. Thank you, my sweet and inspiring friend, for your encouragement and for your heartfelt congrats. You are ever admired! Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Sam Kauffman Date: 9/3/2024 12:10:00 PM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, once again your poetic vision captures images that sing of "lazy mornings bathed in earthbound haze," "nor'easters shred what's left with claw and tooth" and "sugar maize!" What a sense of autumn's transformations from warmth to storm, beauty to bareness. Your poems leave me inhaling awesome and always inspired. Thank you sweet poetry sis for being an amazing model of creativity! Sending you blessings on the sweet wings of autumn. Congratulations on your POTD! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/4/2024 6:53:00 AM My Dearest Rhyme Time Friend, I revel in the beautiful spirit of your poetic friendship and your inspiring words. They touch me deeply to my soul. Your golden presence adds luster to my poem and warms my heart like September sunshine. It’s been a while since our poetry paths have crossed.. I’ve been away from Soup with the good-kind-of-busy for most of the summer. I’m so happy to see you and truly I’m humbled and honored by your amazing thoughts and kind congrats! Thank you my sweet poetry sis.. I will visit your creative pages soon :) Warmest wishes, dearest Sam, may they find you on the gentle rays of fall days.. ~Susan

Constance La France Date: 9/1/2024 10:40:00 PM Susan, a lovely poem, and congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE DAY honor, Constance Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/3/2024 12:28:00 PM Dear Constance, it's wonderful to see you. Thank you for your warm words and kind congrats. Both are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan

Arlo Parker Date: 9/1/2024 8:53:00 PM POTD, W, Y....Susan. crafting a beauty as usual. :o)) Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/3/2024 12:25:00 PM Dear Arlo, thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. I relish your uplifting thoughts, they are truly appreciated. I'm so glad you enjoyed my poem. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Paige Hind Date: 9/1/2024 7:07:00 PM WOW, Susan! What an honor that you deserve! Glad I checked the POTD this evening...congrats and hugs- <3 Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/3/2024 12:27:00 PM Dear Paige, thank you for the delight of your return visit. Your congrats are heartwarming and they are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes my sweet friend.. ~Susan

Warren Doll Date: 9/1/2024 6:57:00 PM Susan. WOW! Such a magnificent poem Congratulations om POTD~ Warren Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/3/2024 12:23:00 PM Dear Warren, thank you for sharing your uplifting thoughts and kind congrats. Both are truly appreciated. I'm so glad you enjoyed my poem. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Regina Elliott Date: 9/1/2024 5:30:00 PM So supremely beautiful, an autumnal masterpiece, dear poetess friend. I hope you've had a wonderful special POTD day. xox Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/3/2024 12:21:00 PM Dearest Regina, soulful poetess and sweet friend, indeed, I had a wonderful POTD day! Made so much more special by your gracious visit and beautiful comments. Your kindness shines as does your amazing poetry! Thank you for your uplifting poetic friendship. I embrace your heartwarming spirit with appreciation. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Brandy Nicole Date: 9/1/2024 4:22:00 PM Dear Susan, the ground is holy, yet ' burned and browned —unholy. ' Such a powerful way to describe the whisper of Autumn. The images you paint are beyond breathtaking, my sweet friend. You always leave me in awe with the way you're able to weave words and create a beautiful masterpiece. Congratulations sweet poetess, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. :) Hugs, Brandy Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/3/2024 12:01:00 PM Dearest Brandy, passionate poetess, I relish your kind congrats and cherish your beautiful comments.. they are breathtaking! Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. Your poetic spirit shines as does your sultry poetry. Your weave of words sparkle with your own special, sensual magic! Warmest wishes and hugs my sweet poetry friend.. ~Susan

Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 9/1/2024 3:32:00 PM Dear Susan, how brilliant your enchanting poem is! Makes me feel like listening quietly to the whispers of Autumn! Congratulations on your super-captivating poem receiving honour of POTD! Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/3/2024 11:52:00 AM Dearest Mala, my enchanting poetess friend, indeed, we should fill our hearts with the soulful whispers of autumn. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. Your comments are beautiful as is your poetic spirit. I treasure your visit and your kind congrats. Warmest wishes my inspiring friend.. ~Susan

Christina Bowring Date: 9/1/2024 3:20:00 PM Dear Susan, my dear heroine, how thrilled I am to see you here with such a worthy POTD. This is simply stunning - love the title. Such exquisite, vivid imagery you have masterfully created for the readers delight. ‘ But long, their shadows fall like swords that stills’ ‘ The throng of lazy mornings bathed in earthbound haze’ Breathtaking! I adore Autumn and you have captured it with such beautiful uniqueness dear, inspirational friend. How you truly inspire me especially as I have stopped Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/2/2024 12:38:00 PM Dearest Christina, enchanting poetess and wonderful friend, I'm thrilled to receive your beautiful comments and kind congrats. The honor of your fav is truly appreciated. Our poetic paths haven't crossed lately but I'm so glad they did today! It seems like we've both been away from the Soup over the summer. Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this piece with me. Your lovely spirit brightens both my page and my day. I will be over to your creative pages soon as I relish and treasure your amazing poetry. Ever your ardent admirer, warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan Christina Bowring Date: 9/1/2024 3:24:00 PM penning of late. Thank you so much for sharing so graciously as always your immense, natural gift. As natural as a beautiful, golden Autumn. Putting it into my fav’s. Ever your admirer, hugs of congratulations xx

Jan Allison Date: 9/1/2024 2:26:00 PM what a stunning sonnet Susan! many congrats on POTD!:-) hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/2/2024 12:30:00 PM Dear Jan, it's a joy to see you! Thank you for sharing in the emotions and imagery of this poem with me. Your congrats are heartwarming and truly appreciated. Your poetic presence is uplifting! Warmest wishes my inspiring friend.. ~Susan

David Crandall Date: 9/1/2024 11:19:00 AM Gorgeous. Great metaphor, with the corn stalk army and aging soldiers, falling swords, bravely standing against the inevitable. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/1/2024 11:53:00 AM Dear David, thank you for your heartwarming visit and uplifting comments. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my poem. Your creative presence here is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan

Paulette Calasibetta Date: 9/1/2024 11:11:00 AM Congrats on your wonderful Autumn sonnet. Paulette Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/1/2024 11:51:00 AM Dear Paulette, it's wonderful to see you. Thank you for your warm words and kind congrats. Both are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan

Benjamin Bartley Date: 9/1/2024 10:55:00 AM Wonderful POTD. Congratulations. Thanks for sharing. Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/1/2024 11:50:00 AM Dear Benjamin, thank you for your gracious visit and kind congrats. Both are truly appreciated. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Gershon Wolf Date: 9/1/2024 9:12:00 AM Congrats on POTD, my friend... I guess those 'summer soldiers' can only hold out so long... ~ gw Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/1/2024 11:48:00 AM Dear Gershon, whew! One season standing in the field beneath the hot climate-change sun is surely enough! Lol! Thank you, my dear poet friend, for your wonderful visit. Your creative spirit and kind congrats are truly appreciated. I will visit your poetry pages soon. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Paula Goldsmith Date: 9/1/2024 9:02:00 AM Back with Congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed reading your "Whispers Of Autumn" write again. Have a blessed/great day with your wonderful win............... Login to Reply Susan Ashley Date: 9/1/2024 11:45:00 AM Dear Paula, your return visit with heartwarming congrats is truly appreciated. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed reading my poem once again. Thank you for your poetry friendship and for your kindness. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan

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