Cruel Sunsets by Gabriela Marie Milton #poem #poetry #short prose

author, Gabriela Marie Milton, literature, poem, poetry, short prose 1 Minute
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Cruel Sunsets by Gabriela Marie Milton

Summer sunsets with their cruel debaucheries of orange and purple. Concentrated scents of saffron and roses in the hallways. Dates filled with marzipan.  I crave sweetness like I crave you.

Nightmares. A sailor drowned a cat at sea. Someone paid him to do it.

I cannot breathe anymore.  

Last night in one of the upstairs bedrooms the child’s toys changed places. A candle lit by itself.

I do not wish you were here. I am beyond that. My blood flows in the opposite direction. I am the plenitude of my febrilities. I am incandescent.

Remember that scene from Jane Eyre? We discussed. Bertha: beautiful, exotic, insane, locked in a room. Bertha whom Rochester married in Jamaica. Every time he tried to open the door she would rush to tear him apart. Why am I thinking Bertha?

I can see you walking in the streets of another continent. I can hear your murmurs by the sea.

I still cannot breathe.

My darling, “will you still be loving me when the summer is gone?” 

Gabriela Marie Milton
2022 Pushcart Prize Nominee
Publisher, Editor, Award Winning & #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Books:

Hidden in Childhood: A Poetry Anthology (ed.), Literary Revelations, 2023
Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women (ed.), Experiments in Fiction, 2022.
Woman: Splendor and Sorrow :I Love Poems and Poetic Prose, Vita Brevis Press, 2021.
Passions: Love Poems and Other Writings, Vita Brevis Press, 2020

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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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129 thoughts on “Cruel Sunsets by Gabriela Marie Milton #poem #poetry #short prose”

    1. Thank you Bo. I love your most recent publication. I left a comment. I hope you get it. My best wishes to everyone hon. Take care.
      xoxo

      Reply

      2. Bo, I am so glad you are there and I am glad she is ok. Make the most of your time with her. Fill it with love.
        xoxo

  2. An happy summer to you also. At a time I tried to capture essence in english tongue… je n’en avais pas le souffle. Vos textes en ont. Merci

    Reply
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    1. Thank you so much for the praise. It means a lot to me.
      Nobody has ever said I have PTSD. But, was life rough sometimes? Yes, it was. I understand pain.
      xoxo

      Reply

  7. What a fantastic poem, Gabriela. I’m happy you posted it. We get PTSD (pothers tribulations by Spunk’s doings).

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Timothy. It means a lot to me you liked it. Oh, I get that from Mr. Churchill too. It will be PTCD 🙂
      Love to everyone. Have a beautiful weekend.
      xoxo

      Reply

  8. I feel like I am reading a dream or a sorrowful gathering of thoughts. When our minds go from subject to subject. It is so beautifully expressive and vivid imagery spun throughout.

    “I do not wish you were here. I am beyond that. My blood flows in the opposite direction. I am the plenitude of my febrilities. I am incandescent.”

    Such a treat and gorgeous
    writing. I love this piece. BRAVO. Love to you and hope your shoulder is getting better.
    ❤️Honeybun

    Reply

    1. Hello honeybun. Good morning. Thank you so much for the wonderful comment and kind wishes. They mean a lot to me. I am glad you enjoyed those lines.

      Sending love and blessings. Have a beautiful weekend hon.
      xoxoxo

      Reply

  9. Ahh the summer gives and taketh away at the closing. Some of your imagery blows me away Gabriela! The cat out to see killed me..now I can’t stop seeing it and yet the longing, the low madness, this line I just loved,”My blood flows in the opposite direction. I am the plenitude of my febrilities. I am incandescent.” and it’s so true..I have taken care of terminal people…the weaker they get, the more incandescent they become.. Your imagery dips and soars through out.. I love how it ends..Will the winds of approaching Autumn, blow it all away? How etheral is a love affair!..It barely touches the ground….and you, my dear writer, poet, brilliant word -layer know that too.

    Reply

    2. Karima, my dearest, thank you so much for this splendid comment. The praise makes me blush. The way you read my soul makes me happy.
      “I have taken care of terminal people” Me too sweetheart. Me too. I know how that goes too well.
      “How ethereal is a love affair!..It barely touches the ground…” those sentences are splendid. WOW. They are a poem. They are classic. YOU are brilliant my fabulous friend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.
      Love
      G.

      Reply

  10. Gabriela, I can’t breathe too, Your words took my breath away … you have a gift to draw the reader into the action … it’s almost physical, can almost feel all the smells and feel sad when I read it … very nice at the same time cruel and last sentence …. I could safely say, out loud, to my girl.
    And I see you across continents as you write these magical words, Thank you for them….it is pleasure and joy reading anything from You.

    Bravo bravo bravo

    Reply

    1. Aw… my dearest friend. I am so glad you are here. I am always happy when you are here. Thank you for your kind words. Kind and beautiful.
      “And I see you across continents as you write these magical words,” This sentence stole my heart.
      Have a beautiful weekend. Stay safe, Stay inspired. Be loved. Always.
      xoxo

      Reply

      1. Thank you Gabriela, You know, I really like reading Your words … it’s like a trip to the land of reality mix with fantasy. You’re the best.

        I’m so sorry You can’t get to my site … I was be at recording music yesterday, not just any. Interesting to see Paul in his years..that I would like NOT AGE 🙂 and love and write and read Your Short Stories..so beautiful-

        Try this link please 🙂 https://midianpoet.com/2021/06/25/one-super-hot-minute-in-studio-shaark/
        In recording studio i lern froum sound engineer how the work woith sound, how cut words and put them back together ..its interesting fot the poetry….for writing, its like Burroughs poetry 🙂

        and then I had for an hour just for poetry a plane from the Olympics … I’m going to GREAT SURPRISE … but it will be weeks of work, Gabriela, thank You for being, thank You and stay healthy, strong and creative!

        I am sending a convoy of ships full of roses across the sea for You, any color You like !

      2. Thank you for sending the link. I like it very much. Indeed very interesting.
        “how cut words and put them back together ..its interesting fot the poetry…” I know how to do that too. I just don’t have time to work on that. What app do you use?

        ” I’m going to GREAT SURPRISE … but it will be weeks of work, Gabriela, ” Great things take time. I will wait patiently.

        I just got the roses. Thank you! They are my favorite color. Soft peach.

        Enjoy your weekend and good luck with your project.
        xoxo

      3. And..i used old application…Its called ,, Mind”. Its the best application ever:):):). Now i smile Across thé Continents….:):):) Soooo wide And looooong:) You Are the best …. Queen of Poets! Gabriela 🙋🏻‍♂️👍😘

      4. You are too kind. I am humbled by your words. Thank you again my dear friend.
        xoxo

      5. Gabriela and one more thing, I don’t want to bother You, please, I give four or more of those posts a day, I still have to do something if I stop so I’ll probably get fat and die, really maybe the link to my page works, I put it here, I’m sorry, feel free delete …. https://midianpoet.com/ aaaaaaaand…, You’re so wonderful … I feel like You’ve grown a lot on my heart in the pyramid, a photo on the pillow … that was … nice, thanks!

      6. No problem. Thank you for the link. I can go to your site if I click the link. Otherwise I cannot. I don’t know why. I will chat with WP.

        The video was a wonderful gift. Thank you again. I am deeply grateful to you for that.
        xoxo

    2. Oh, if you posted anything please leave a link here. I can’t reach you site. I don’t know why.

      Reply

  12. From the vivid colors of the first paragraph, to leaping to several different topics… I felt this poem as reflective of summer itself: the heat, the desire to move after winter’s slumber, seeing the world flourish with life of flowers, fruits, and animals.

    Reply

    1. Oh, Dave, thank you so much for your beautiful interpretation. I am so grateful for your comment. It feels my heart with joy. Enjoy the rest of the day and have a lovely weekend.

      Reply

    1. Aw.. thank you so much Francine. Your appreciation means the world to me 🥰❤️🌹

      Reply

      2. Thank you for the flowers. Wait, I have something for you I think you will enjoy. I was stunned by his voice, the words… I really hope you like the song

    1. Good afternoon Java. Thank you for this beautiful comment.
      “I love how the words taste sweet on my tongue” I adore this sentence.
      xoxo

      Reply

  15. First of all, cruel sunsets is a great title
    And Bertha has always been an intriguing character. My interpretation of her actions is that she is trying to warn Jane about Rochester
    Anyway, I loved the reference, as well as the toys and candle in the room. Excellent read!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Basilike. “And Bertha has always been an intriguing character. My interpretation of her actions is that she is trying to warn Jane about Rochester” Before I was able to read my parents rented the movie and I watched it home with them. I was very very young. Bertha made such an impression on me. The same thing happened when I saw Wuthering Heights. Catherine dead, knockings on the windows. I got so scared.
      Anyway, thank you again for the read and the wonderful words.
      Love
      G.

      Reply

      1. I read Jane Eyre when I was young too. Bertha chilled my blood ☺️
        And I also remember watching a black and white Wuthering Heights on TV as a child.

      2. I knew we have so much in common. Love to you Basilike.
        xoxo

  16. As always Gabriela, such a moving piece. You are so poetic with your verse and your understanding of the human condition is vast. I am always moved by your creations. Wonderful. ❤

    Reply

    1. Jeff, thank you so much. I am really honored by your comment.
      “your understanding of the human condition is vast. ” I hope so Jeff. At least I am making efforts to understand.
      Have a wonderful weekend my friend and thank you again.
      xoxoxo

      Reply

      1. You’re welcome, Gabriela. Always. It’s what I get when I read your work, my friend. Deep understanding. I love it. Thank you. You have a lovely weekend, too. xoxoxo

      2. Thank you again Jeff. It means a lot to me. I get a lot when I read your work too. I hope you got my comment to your most recent poem. It’s a beautiful piece.
        xoxo .

    1. Thank you so much my dear friend. You are so kind. There are plenty of great poets on WP. Your compliment humbles me beyond words. Have a wonderful weekend too. Be inspired and inspire others. Be loved.
      xoxo

      Reply

    1. Aw.. you are a gem. Thank you from the bottom of my heart 🥰❤️🌹🥰❤️🌹

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much Punam. Your words warm my heart. Sending love and good wishes for a wonderful weekend.
      xoxoxo

      Reply

  21. I love the comparisions and then shifting gears and honoring what is.

    These lines Gabriella are incredible…
    “I do not wish you were here. I am beyond that. My blood flows in the opposite direction. I am the plenitude of my febrilities. I am incandescent.”

    Great work my friend💖💖💖
    Truly amazing💖

    Reply

    1. Oh, Cindy, thank you so much for taking the time to read. And thank you for your beautiful words. I am thrilled you liked the piece.
      Enjoy your evening. It’s Friday! It’s weekend!
      xoxo

      Reply

      1. It was my pleasure Gabriela❣️. I meant everyone of my words.. I really di. Thanks I will and you too.
        Yes, it’s the weekend❣️❣️❣️

    1. Thank you so much Diana. I hope everything is going well and you are enjoying your success. Have a beautiful weekend. Sending love.

      Reply

    1. Thank you Michele. You are an angel. I did, didn’t I? I love Jane Eyre ❤️🌹

      Reply
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    1. Oh, Eric, thank you so much. You made me happy. Have a great weekend my fried.
      xoxo

      Reply

    2. Exactly, Gabriela is very special, Her words are pure magic … you just know it when you read them, the mind is happy with them … it’s about writing, to bring the readers an unusual feeling, the joy of it.

      Hi from Czech and nice day 🙂

      Reply
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    1. Thank you so much for the dedication. It means a lot to me.
      Sending love and good wishes your way.
      xoxoxo…

      Reply

      1. Nice evening to You, so here in Czech ….i dont want You bother You Gabriela…its sad story.

        I have everythig,good work, wife,daughter,life…and old men dont see me on the road and hit me with the car in 60km/h. I have experience of clinical death, light, tunnel, everything is truth…but one girl, THE GIRL, call me back from the light and i wake up…week coma, broken everything bones in body…its the two years and im still …broken, in body.
        Suddenly everything changes, sometimes its like a dream, sometimes i tell myself…-Its a dream ? Im still in coma? I dont know….
        In mind, ..i live because Her, so everything i doing its for Her. Its complicated situation…im 47, She has 36, but i still love Her…its the STORY, right ?
        And i lived it…someday it absolute wonder, sometimes its absolute hell ….and You unbelivable helping me, Thank You !…You give me some hope, some…i dont know, when i take your picture to the pyramid a read..it was like …a MAGIC. You was with me there..almost physically. .

        Our life is miracle, Gabriela, live it, live to the last second! Write your beatiful poems, stories,everything.
        Good night far away, i send You just good dreams, lovely nad fantastic, full of colors and roses!
        And sorry for my english…writing these words withou translator…i try 🙂
        You know ..when you dont try…never dont know:):):)

      2. I am so sorry to hear about all that. I know life is a miracle. I believe in miracles so I hope you get well soon.
        Thank you for the lovely dreams and roses. They are wonderful.
        All the best to you my dear friend. Have a beautiful weekend. Enjoy every moment.
        xoxoxoxo…

      3. Thank You , Gabriela,for everything, nice and creative weekend …yeah, we must live our lives…to the every breath, to the every second, bye!

  35. Hi Gabriel. High emotions heightened by high summer. Breathless and relentless.
    Lines like: “Last night in one of the upstairs bedrooms the child’s toys changed places. A candle lit by itself.” and “My blood flows in the opposite direction.” made me take a breath.
    Enjoy the week ahead, stay creative.
    Ford 😎🤩

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for your beautiful words Ford. Very grateful to you 🌹

      Reply

  36. Wow. This is some exquisite work! Felt the chills while reading it. My blood flows in the opposite direction reading this work of art! 😁😊

    Reply
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  43. If I read your poetry for a thousand and one nights, each dawn would unfold upon a new breathtaking realization; gorgeous, transcendent writing, dear Gabriela. ✨🌹✨

    Reply

      1. Your books have so much depth the page count is completely irrelevant; it’s almost as they never end. ✨🌹🙏❤️

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