Spring: a thank you and a poem

poetry, prose poem 1 Minute

I am deeply grateful to Darren C Gilbert, the author of  Serpents Underfoot and Adirondack Bear Tales, for being the first to review my book, Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings, on his blog and on Amazon. 

Darren’s review came as a delightful surprise.

“But I never thought I would be reviewing a book of poetry, much less buying one for my own enjoyment. How would this come to pass, you may ask … or, you may not … but I will tell you anyway.” Please read Darren’s review here and follow his site.

Now my new poem [prose poem]: Spring

White.
We drank two lemonades sweetened with honey at the old terrace by the church.
My body arched like a branch under the heaviness of cherry fruit.
I read from a book by Odysseas Elytis.
You smiled and listened.
The skies sighed.
The bells tolled twice.
Flowers silhouetted against my blood.
Wishes blossomed in your sweat.
I anointed your kiss.

Later, in the autumn, you wrote.
“I am in love with you. I do not understand how it happened.”
Neither do I.
I told you: that which is against our will is unjust.
I have no other answer.
Yet.

@Gabriela Marie Milton

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Published by Gabriela Marie Milton

Gabriela Marie Milton #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author, 2019 Author of the Year at Spillwords Press NYC; internationally published poet; poetry collections Woman: Splendor and Sorrow (Vita Brevis Pres, July 27, 2021); Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings (Vita Brevis Press, April, 2020)

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146 thoughts on “Spring: a thank you and a poem”

  1. I encourage your readers to visit Darren’s post. A beautifully honest and genuine review of your latest publication. I was most taken by the fact that it only took a small sample of your art for Darren to recognize the exceptional beauty, power, and truth in your words. I also encourage them to purchase your books. I promise they will find something within that touches you in ways you have yet to experience!

    Reply

    1. Good morning Brad,
      Thank you so much for your words and for your help. You are right. Darren’s review is honest. It filled my heart with joy. I encourage everyone to visit his site.

      ” I also encourage them to purchase your books. I promise they will find something within that touches you in ways you have yet to experience!” Thank you Brad. You kindness and graciousness means a lot to me. I want you to know this my dear friend.
      Have peaceful and beautiful day and thank you again for everything you’ve done for me.
      Gabriela

      Reply

      2. Brad, you are humbling me beyond words. I am really in tears. I am dealing with some cyber bullying lately and I can’t tell you how much your support means to me. Thank you my dear friend. Stay blessed.
        Gabriela

      3. Haters hate because it is all they know how to do. And only small people resort to small words. Stay above the fray. Your worth and value cannot be dictated by another. It lies intrinsically within you and is your and yours alone! You are loved, appreciated, and respected!

      4. Thank you so much Brad. I needed to hear these words. I am grateful to you beyond words.
        Happy Friday my dear friend.

  2. That was a wonderful review of your work, Gabriela.

    Along with skies, I am sighing at your verse!
    And these lines…”I told you: that which is against our will is unjust.
    I have no other answer.
    Yet.”
    Gosh…incredible!! ❤️🌷

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Punam. Thank you for your support and your kind words. I am thrilled you liked that line. And thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for being such a good friend. I asked you all those questions…
      Enjoy the rest of your day. Make it as fabulous as you are.
      xoxoxo

      Reply

      1. I apologise for the delay in response, Gabriela. As long as you continue to share your work here on wordpress I will always find time to read you.
        Believe me, my dear, I enjoyed answering your queries. So sweet of you to be interested in our festivals.
        I hope you are having a lovely weekend. Take care. ❤️🌷😘

      2. Punam my dear you have nothing to apologize about. If fact I have to apologize. I am behind with everything.
        I just wanted to know. Your traditions are so beautiful and so rich. I know some but not all. There are so many…
        Thank you from the bottom of my heart for answering my questions. It was a pleasure to hear you talking about.
        Your weekend is almost over sweetheart.
        Have a wonderful week ahead and thank you again.
        Yours
        G.

  3. “The skies sighed.
The bells tolled twice.
Flowers silhouetted against my blood.
Wishes blossomed in your sweat”. What gorgeous words. Such beauty in these lines. I can picture the sighing sky. Dear Button your imagination is magical. Waking up with my honey, cup of coffee and poetry by Gabriela, what a lovely beginning to this sunny day in North Carolina. Also a lovely review. You have turned an author into a poetry lover. That says mountains about your talent and your book. Love you Button. Have a glorious weekend and stay safe. Honeybun 💕

    Reply

    1. Joni, my dear, good morning. I hope it is a wonderful morning in NC.
      Aw… I am humbled by your words. I am so happy you liked my poem.
      “Waking up with my honey, cup of coffee and poetry by Gabriela, what a lovely beginning to this sunny day in North Carolina.” This is more than I can hope for. Thank you for being supportive. Thank you for being a real friend. Thank you for liking my work.
      You guys enjoy your coffee and the beauty of the morning. May you be loved. May happiness be with you forever.
      Love
      G(button)

      Reply

      1. Your poetry is like a kiss from the sun. I want to live in that beautiful picture in the white home with the red flowers 🌺 outside, that came with your post. It went so beautifully with your gorgeous poem Button. Love 💕 honeybun

      2. Thank you so much Joni. I have been thinking about that too. It is between a tropical island and a Greek Island. I can’t make up my mind. That picture was taken in the island of Crete.
        Thank you again for your wonderful words honeybun.
        Enjoy your evening
        xoxoxo

      3. Oh yes we went to the grocery store with our bandannas on our faces and you would have thought we would have been at a party. We had so much fun. That place in your picture is like a little piece of heaven. Thank you beautiful Button. Have a wonderful and blessed evening. Love you honeybun

      4. “Bandannas” 🙂 I am sure you guys had fun. Yet they do serve a purpose. I am going to go to the grocery store tomorrow. I have masks. I have a bandanna too somewhere. It’s a red one 🙂
        I am glad you like that place. Really happy.
        Have a wonderful and blessed evening too honeybun
        xoxoxoxo

    1. Thank you so much. I am really happy you liked the poem.
      Stay safe, happy and inspired.
      Gabriela

      Reply

    1. Good morning Timothy. Good morning to everyone in the house and outside the house. I am glad you liked the poem. I am very grateful to Darren. His review is great.
      My hugs to everyone. Kisses to the kitties. How are the owls?
      G.

      Reply

      2. Thank you so much for the update Timothy. I worry about them. Perhaps mother’s instinct.

      3. No worry. Mama and Daddy owl take very good care of them. My neighbor said Daddy owl attaked and chased off a coyote that was walking by on the ditch bank the other morning. We are really fortunate that Mama and Daddy owl put up with all of us gawking at their little ones. I’ve heard of owls attacking people that get to close to their nests in other areas.

      4. That makes me feel better. Mama and Daddy owl are great!

  6. Absolutely fabulous and enchanting poem,I love your wonderful words,I am fascinated!!! ❤
    Your poems touched my heart,Thank you infinitely for sharing your wonderful poems!!!
    A big hug full of affection! 🤗

    Reply

    1. Aw… such a splendid comment and such a praise. I am honored.

      “Your poems touched my heart,Thank you infinitely for sharing your wonderful poems!!!” Thank you infinitely for your kindness and for sharing your beautiful work with all of us.
      Stay inspired and inspire us. Be loved and happy.
      Have a marvelous weekend.
      Gabriela

      Reply

  8. Absolutely fabulous and enchanting poem,I am totally fascinated!!! ❤ Your wonderful words touched my heart so much! Thank you infinitely for sharing your wonderful poems!
    A big hug full of affection! 🤗

    Reply

    1. Thank you Bo. I can’t wait to read your poem. Are you sending it out?
      Yes, you know I am reading your mind 🙂

      Reply

      2. Beautiful. Think about… “writing random spring thoughts” … Bo, I am going to try Visual Verse this month. I did not see the picture yet. I hope I can do it 🙂
        Hugs to everyone. Stay safe.
        G.

      5. Bo, it’s better than that one with three bottles of milk hanging from the clouds (although you did a great job on it!). Or the one depicting a half pig half dog (computer generated) in a plastic recipient filled with water (I think you did a great job on that one too). You are great!
        Yet, I have to admit. It’s something weird about this one. If I have time I’ll give it a try. What is it that scares you?

    1. What a beautiful thing to say. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

      Reply

      2. Thank you. Thank you. I am humbled by your words.

  11. Such a beautiful poem. I love the imagery and simple honesty. I sometimes wonder why love always seems to be so complicated.I guess perhaps it does sometimes seem unjust.

    Reply

    1. Hi Darren. Good morning. First thank you so much for your review. You touched my heart.
      Second, I am thrilled you like the poem. It means a lot to me. I am still to read your books. I will do it over the summer. I can’t wait.
      “I sometimes wonder why love always seems to be so complicated.” I don’t know Darren. Show me someone who knows 🙂
      Have a splendid weekend and thank you for your wonderful review and for taking the time to read my poems.
      Gabriela

      Reply

  12. Oh! I hit send too soon. I also wanted to thank you for the mention. I really did not expect all that. It is my turn to be humbled and left without the words to properly express my gratitude.|

    Thank you so much, Darren

    Reply

  13. “Flowers silhouetted against my blood
    Wishes blossomed in your sweat”

    How enchanting, how beautiful🌹 You have immense talent Gabriela. Loved it❤❤

    Reply

    1. Ishita, your words are like the most beautiful summer breeze. You cover me with compliments. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please know I love and admire your work too.
      Have a beautiful weekend my dear.
      G.

      Reply

  14. You have a beautiful soul🌸 Your writing always inspires me; I’m forever grateful to have found your blog❤ You are a wonderful and talented writer.

    It gives me immense pleasure to know that you admire my work Gabriela! It means a lot to me🌹🌹

    Have a great weekend!
    Ishita

    Reply

    1. Aw… wonderful words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I just read your most recent poem. I love it with all my heart.
      xoxo.

      Reply

    1. I am so humbled by your comment. Thank you very much. Know I love and admire your work too.
      Wishing you a beautiful weekend and thank you again
      Gabriela

      Reply

      1. Thank you very much, Gabriela. Your kind words made me smile! Have a beautiful weekend too! 😊

    1. You’ve always supported me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
      Have a lovely weekend.

      Reply

    1. You did see. You can see now too… the Odyssey of an Englishman…
      Oh, Eric.. your comment brings so much joy in my heart.
      Thank you.
      Yours
      G.

      Reply

    1. Aw… my sweetest Katy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a gem. Making my life beautiful everyday. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
      Have a fabulous weekend.
      xoxoxo

      Reply

    1. Thank you Java. I am delighted with the review and so glad you enjoyed my poem sweetheart.
      Sending you lots of love.
      Gabriela

      Reply

  20. Oh my GOD! This poems is sooooooo beautiful it’s crazy. And Congratulations, Gabriela! I will definitely had over to his place! Thank You!!! Huge hugs….🤗❤️😊

    Reply

    1. Katy!!!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are the personification of enthusiasm and goodness. You are one of the best!
      Thank you! Thank you! Bigger hugs!
      Katy, this may surprise you but I remember when you first commented on my work. Your first comment was on one of the collaborations that Ankit and I did together.
      Your enthusiasm and you generosity are as unbelievable today as they were then.
      Have a fabulous weekend and thank you again.
      xoxoxoxoxo

      Reply

      1. Oh, You sweet Angel!!! You are beyond welcome and it is all-ways my absolute pleasure! Your poems are heart/soul feeding! Thank You for Your wonderfully sweet words! Hugest hugs to You and I hope You have a fabulous weekend as well!!! 🤗❤️🙏🏼🌀😊

      2. The sweetest Angel is you. Thank you for everything Katy 🌺🌹🌸💕🤗💐

    1. Aw… Devika, thank you so much. Your words humble me beyond. I am very grateful to you. You are one of the greatest poetesses I’ve ever read. Thank you again my dear 🌸

      Reply

  22. Gabriela, you are simply phenomenal, and I love Darren’s review of your book. Like so many, he could not help but fall in love with your words, but more than that, he •felt• the feeling of falling in love, the feeling of being in Florence or Rome. Your words allow time and international travel. They take us places our own imaginations covet to be.

    This Spring poem is such a perfect example of all of this. I know exactly why he fell in love, how could he not. From the first word of your poem. “White”. And then these words:

    “The skies sighed.
The bells tolled twice.
Flowers silhouetted against my blood.
Wishes blossomed in your sweat.”

    Gabriela, you are magnificent. In every way.

    Happy Friday dearest friend. I hope the day envelops you in spring fragrance and beauty.
    Xoxoxox

    Reply

    1. My dearest Rachel. I hope your weekend is beautiful and you are out enjoying the fall.
      Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your fabulous words Rachel. I hope I deserve your constant support. I hope I deserve your friendship and love.

      I am glad you liked the review sweetheart. I am glad you liked those verses:”“The skies sighed.
The bells tolled twice.
Flowers silhouetted against my blood.
Wishes blossomed in your sweat.”
      You make me happy Rachel. Your support makes me happy. Thank you my fabulous friend.

      Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
      Sending you May flowers and beautiful spring dreams.
      xoxoxo

      Reply

      1. You deserve it all G, and more. I’m reading between the lines, and I may be wrong, but I feel like I can detect a little sadness? Are you ok?

        You still have another day of weekend left. I send you some more light from the southern cross. Enough is never enough for my special friend, you deserve everything xoxoxo

      2. Hello my fabulous Rachel. I am ok. I am trying to slow down a bit (although today I have plenty to do).It feels weird. But that’s the feeling that I get every year in the beginning of May.
        Thank you for the light my sweetheart. It is gorgeous. You ok?
        Sending you love
        xoxoxoxo

  23. Good afternoon G,

    I read that last stanza (twice) and I have no answer. Perfection.

    A very beautiful piece from start to finish. Very happy to see your got a great review.
    Congratulations. That is only the beginning. They will come flooding in.

    So, happy for you.
    xo

    Reply

    1. Good afternoon Drew
      I missed you. I need a night in shining armor 🙂 What do you say? 🙂
      Drew I hope everything is fine. Keep us posted.
      Thank you so much for your beautiful comment. I am glad you liked the piece. “Perfection.” I am humbled Drew.

      There are great reviews there and I am grateful for each and one of them. Darren was the first and he put it on his blog.
      Have a great evening Drew.
      Take care.

      Reply

      1. A night in shining armor? What happened?

        All is as well as can be expected. Hopefully, disappointment will evaporate in the tropical heat. Took a little blogging hiatus ’til now.

        I knew there would be plenty of great reivews. There will be more coming; don’t need a crystal ball for that.

        Really hope you are well.
        Seek refuge in your poetry……..it is beautiful there.

      2. Oh, thank you for asking. That’s sweet of you. I will tell you one day. I think I’ll tell you in June 🙂 Beautiful month for confessions.
        Drew, you are more important now. I am sure everyone is worried about you. Please keep everyone updated.

        Do not worry about me.
        “Seek refuge in your poetry……..it is beautiful there.” I am right there, Drew.
        Yours
        G.

  24. Great review by Darren….
    I’m simply blown away by your new poem….it’s so beautiful. I wish I could buy your book on iOS, Gabriela.

    Reply

    1. I am thrilled you like the poem. You made my afternoon beautiful.
      Thank you from the bottom of my heart Navin.
      Always
      G.

      Reply

      1. My pleasure G….you’re an outstanding poet / writer….a huge inspiration for poets like me

      2. Navin, I am so grateful for your wonderful. Please

      3. Sorry, I pressed send to soon. Please know that you are a great poet and you inspire me too.
        G.

  25. this is magical! love so sweet and tender, never knew how it happened, oh we don;t need the how just the why, you give my heart multiple beats today!!

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much my dear Gina. “you give my heart multiple beats today” that is so kind of you to say that. It filled my heart with joy. Thank you again.
      Can’t wait to read your novel Gina. I really can’t.
      Have a wonderful weekend dear.
      xoxoxo

      Reply

  26. I saw your comment on my blog and I turned up to see what you are upto…I am inspired by the poem, I loved it really.. and I am sorry I read by other people’s comment on your blog. Okay I do it more often to know the person better. The way you are so humble to your readers made me connect to you instantly…
    And yaa one thing you have me in the list .. I will be a constant reader now♥️

    Reply

    1. Oh, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words. They fill me with joy.
      I guess I will see you on WP soon.
      Stay safe and inspire us with your beautiful words.
      Gabriela

      Reply

  27. Congratulations on getting a poetry book! I’m sure that the review must be great. Also, you’ve been nominated for the Awesome Blogger Award

    Reply

    1. Thank you for the congrats and for the nomination. I am truly humbled. 💕

      Reply

    1. Thank you Luisa. That is very kind of you to say.
      Sending you love
      Gabriela

      Reply

  29. Happy to see this. It is the luck of a writer to get great appreciation from readers. You are an awesome dedicated writer dear Gabriela. Go ahead. Let your success speak aloud😃❤️😍

    Reply

    1. That’s so nice of you to say Tushara. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sending you hugs and love. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Be happy.
      G.

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much Candy. You are a sweetheart. I am happy you revisited my blog too.
      Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
      Hugs.

      Reply

      2. Looking forward to reading you more too 🌸💕💝

  31. Pingback: Spring: a thank you and a poem – Short Prose | The Reluctant Poet

    1. Aw.. you shower me with compliments today. Thank you so much sweetheart. I hope everything is well.
      xoxoxo

      Reply

      2. Thank you sweetheart. Your writings deserve applause and all the love in the world. Take good care.
        xoxoxo

      6. I am so grateful for your praise, Rene. Your poetry certainly deserves mine.

      7. ❤️ you leave us all breathless with your incomparable poetry Gabriela, I so appreciate you kind and generous and so inspiring words for me! 💕

      8. Thank you so much Rene. You leave me speechless.
        Love you.
        G.

    1. Thank you so much my dearest Kritika. You are a sweetheart. May you be forever safe and happy sweetheart.
      xoxoxo

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much my dear. Please know that I adore your writings.
      xoxoxo

      Reply

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