The Sun That Parts the Clouds
Through frayed seams a rosy dream bleeds
needled and re-stitched
with threads of time and love and hope..
and still — a rosy dream bleeds
the miscarriage of a promised rose garden
leaving me bereft but for entwined bands of gold –
contemplative thorns tempt my angst
moony moody barbs bristle twigs of tenderness
woe ‘tis not a laurel wreath worn atop my brow
as I sit alone with a squeamish friend
my blue-sky-to-storm-cloud introspection..
as your distant eyes deserted mine long ago
Winter's beast laid bare a cerebral graveyard —
lost you wander amongst laid-to-rest neurons
worn headstones of thoughts and laughter and memories..
you wonder why they hide — why they died
the crackle of cognitive circuitry quiets
branched-lightning fades from unwitting clouds..
and aged roots of reality perish
our red rose finished.. fallen to pieces
you-and-me-petals a messy heap like old potpourri –
yet in the dark hush.. love’s scent lingers on our dream pillow
O nostalgic sepals embrace me!
my heart yearns to return to the bud
the fullness of our June bloom —
alas, I bury desires beneath life’s litterfall;
pollenless stamens and leaves of one-sided reveries..
and cage my fear and despair behind purple thistle facing the light
as I free a smile for you, my love —
you.. my sun that still parts the rain-bearing nimbus
Susan Ashley
August 5, 2022
~ Fourth Place ~
Premiere Contest: 2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 15
Sponsor: Mark Toney
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