In their own words
Suzanne Cottrell, an Ohio buckeye by birth, lives with her husband and three rescue dogs in rural Piedmont North Carolina. An outdoor enthusiast and retired teacher, she enjoys hiking, biking, and Pilates. She loves nature and its sensory stimuli and particularly enjoys writing and experimenting with poetry and flash fiction. Her poetry has appeared in numerous online and print journals including North Carolina's Best Emerging Poets: An Anthology, The Avocet, The Remembered Arts Journal, Plum Tree Tavern, Three Line Poetry, Haiku Journal, Tanka Journal, Poetry Quarterly, The MOON, Naturewriting, Dragon Poet Review, Cagibi Literary, and Women's Voices Anthology (These Fragile Lilacs Literary Journal).
Forsaken loversReminders scratching at heartsHoping scars will healForget the past, moving onBegin with a glance then smile
Swinging their clasped handsA romantic moonlight strollTheir new beginningOcean waves washing awayMemories of past lovers
Grandmother’s treasureCream, peach cameo locketOnce loved remembranceLaid in a pawn shop windowSuccumbed to financial need
Deliberate footstepsTracing concentric circlesSeeking clarityListening to inner feelingsMeditate to nourish the soul
Sunshine warms the soilRains replenish lakes, riversClimatic changesFossil fuels, Greenhouse EffectIrreversible damage
Whispered promisesFaded photos, hands trembleMissing in actionEvening news footage, phone ringsReluctant, then joyful tears
Her desire for changejob accepted overseasexcited but tornflames diminish, embers dimCan relationship survive?
Penned Dear John letterdeposited in mailboxirretrievableemotions fluctuatedmoved forward with no regrets