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4.8k · Oct 2011
Optimistic
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
Shimmering gleams of hope
Dance across the shadows.
They show no fear and neither do I.
I know there are only good dreams to come.
Whispering optimisms,
Tell me I'll prosper.
Their silent hints make me
Hopeful and rosy.

I've danced with the devil
On many occasions.
He's convinced me I'm home,
But I know that he's wrong.
I'll follow my heart and
Always see the sun.
For the shimmering gleams dance
Across the shadows of my soul.
2.1k · Oct 2011
My Humble Regards
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
And it was just too much
For either one of us to bare.
We searched our minds
With hands held out to share
The wisdom we held inside.

I cry out for just one more
Minute to keep us here.
I wanted all the knowledge in the world,
And so did you, I hear,
From the passerby's on the street below.

It's become just another rendition
Of your favorite song.
Wreathing in and out of the chorus
Through the melody you've longed
To help you keep on.

I ask too much of you
Once again, with hope that you'll bare
With me, through my time of weakness.
Please sing out and please, dear, share
That for which you ask for in return.
1.5k · Aug 2012
Peach Cobbler
Ashley Bertram Aug 2012
You're simply not here.
I stretch my mind to find you,
Bending around all the nooks,
Until I cannot bend, stretch, or flex
The depths any longer.

It's been a long time.
I remember our last engagement,
Rather clearly, might I add.
You were sticky, sweet, and satisfying,
Just like old times.

I remember why you left.
It was my fault, but we had an agreement.
Time wasn't on our side,
It deceived, manipulated, and warped
My mind and emotion.

It's been a long time.
I remember you told me many things,
Things I tried for years to forget.
You said I was selfish, despicable, and a *****.
I believed you.

You're simply not here.
I don't search for you anymore.
What I've longed for for so long
Has finally enveloped, released, and replaced
My chastising memory of you.
1.3k · Sep 2012
The Story
Ashley Bertram Sep 2012
Listen up, I've got a story to tell.
You probably have heard it,
Or  forgot it, or lost it.
But, oh well.

This isn't the written flow that you are used to.
But I can promise you, that this story will get to you.
It doesn't start off with "Once upon a time"
Nor is it as romantic as the fairy tale lies.

Now we start with a woman, mature for her age, and
Follow with a man who prays and prays for his days.
They pass each other in a bar, on the subway, in the streets.
It seemed as though Fate had a plan for them to meet.

After weeks of anticipation, the man finally asked for her name.
"It's Janet, good sir. But I must go, it's starting to rain."
"Well I'm Marcus, dear Janet, and the rain, I am aware.
But let us retreat to this diner, where the coffee is fair."

She accepted his offer, and they enjoyed their cup o' Joe.
He spoke of politics, and arts, and everything he knows.
She was taken in by his charm, and he by her beauty.
Sparks were flying, and it seemed like they were meant to be.

As the rain came to a stop, they thought it would be best to depart.
She walked to the left, and he to the right, yet each had the others' heart.
Janice dreamed of Marcus, and he dreamed of she.
Each hoping that Fate would allow them to see what could be.

But here is where our story takes a turn for the worst,
Poor Marcus has cancer and his lifespan is short.
Janice did the best to help him, falling deeply in love.
He couldn't resist his feelings, either, he knew it wasn't lust.

A recovery eased their minds, but alas for only  a while.
Still they only cared about seeing one another's smile.
In his hospital bed he proposed. A weeping "yes" was his answer.
And for a split second, everyone forgot about his cancer.

Now  a month has passed, the wedding plans made.
They had a perfect June wedding with her hair up in braids.
It wasn't even a week later that tragedy stuck,
Dear Janet was coming to visit, when her car was hit by a truck.

Heartache was felt throughout the hospital that night.
A dying man lay with cancer, and his new bride had lost her life.
Once he heard the news he fell over in pure agony,
And screamed to the world, "Oh god, why can't you just take me?"

After doses of sleeping aids and a priest by his side,
Marcus finally dozed off and dreamt of his miraculous bride.
When he awoke, there Janice stood, just as beautiful as ever.
He had died in his sleep, but now they will live forever.

(http://skorhsa.wordpress.com/2012/09/09/the-story/)
1.1k · Oct 2011
Nostalgic Delirium
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
And I will breakdown
Leaving All in my shadows
In the downfall of existence.
I dig deep, but am unable
To recall the memories I've pushed away.
It is once again that time,
And I am unprepared and slacking.
You call out to me, I think.
I cannot hear through the silence.
Adamant as I am, I carry on.
I see familiar sights
Passing through my journey.
Remind me, please,
I don't know
Where I am, or rather,
Who I am.
It's all a mystery game,
Leaving me and my sick score
To win the prize.
If only, you see, the prize
Was worth winning.
Then maybe I'd be a bit more
Assertive. But when reality
Is a dreaded victory,
Can you really blame me?
Ashley Bertram Oct 2014
The scent rose up like bonfire smoke,
And increased with each powerful ****,
Now here we are together as one
It is time that our story had begun.
Years ago, on a night such as this,
An epic tale began with true love’s kiss.
The impact created quite the stir;
Enough to make the tragedy occur,
And while it seems that all is lost
History is not yet embossed.

It started on a hill, you see,
With flowers here, and honey bees,
The one so precious, her charm did glow,
She made every wish with a loving blow.
As he lay there, lost in her gaze,
The dandelion fluff created a haze.
It wasn’t until the bombs went off;
The blood poured and the lungs coughed.
The gruesome sight was one for sore eyes,
But the couple held tight despite all the cries.

No one was sure of the events to come
They waited in fear for the reliant war drum.
As the deep booms bellowed throughout the valley,
People scurried, dodging down every alley.
The woman, so worried, called out in fright,
And the man, yes he tried with all of his might,
But the soldiers they took her ******* and gagged,
All the while she heard them as they pompously bragged.
A shot to the heart, and he was to blame,
Yet the heartbroken widow felt much shame.

His corpse lay so still and cold,
She cries every night, growing so old,
As much time that’s gone by to this day,
She’s plotted and determined, these men, they must pay.
Under cover of darkness, with knives sharpened just so,
She tied them to their beds, so there was nowhere to go.
Drowning out the screams, humming the song of two lovers,
She grabs her sweet knife and pulled back the covers.
And with multiple stabs you know what she got?
Sweet, sweet revenge for her lover’s deadly shot.
887 · Oct 2011
Time after Time
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
I, shall rest upon the notion of no Time after Time.
Hope is the last thing I envy at this ending.
Agreeing is not necessary,
For I look for no one's input.
Persuading isn't either,
For it's of no use, I've made my mind.
Do not worry for me,
For I know my Time after Time
Will be of good use.
My memory will help those
Who put it to work.
Or it may even make a work of it's own.
I shall ask for no pity or sorrow,
For I know that tomorrow will bring
Prosperity, if not for myself,
Then for many.
I will live as though I will not wake;
And my temptations shall never break me.
For my time, I know, will not last.
You know as well as I,
We will be here until we've perished
To the hardships of our lives.
Expect nothing more, or anything less.
I do not dream of Time after Time,
For dreaming gets us nowhere.
I will not wish of eternity,
For I have no desire to see what I will become.
The only thing I wish is that I will never cause pain.
For no one will gain from
Guilt, Anger, or Sorrow.
I am not frightened,
For in truth, the time being is more frightening
Than anything that could potentially come.
So, now relieved,
I shall rest upon the notion of no Time after Time.
Hope is the last thing I shall ever envy.
807 · Oct 2011
Placid
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
Peace, Love, and Happiness
Is a pleasant thought to ponder,
Yet it's quite unlikely for we are
Known to stray and wander.
So rid yourself of worry, child,
And rid yourself of sin.
And soon you'll see the prospects
Of a placid stint.
748 · Oct 2011
Just Ask the Birds
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
Two birds fly today,
Each in opposite directions.
The first flies north
To see what he can see.
The second, a little different,
Wants to see the sea.
Had it not been for the weather
That placed them in that tree,
Never would they have met, and
Never would they be complete.
A dear friend once said,
"Child, if you look real close you'll see,
The birds in flight. And
Though they're parting ways today,
They know they'll soon be back, you see."
Now, I say the same to you, my friend,
Again one day we will meet.
724 · Dec 2013
The Resistance
Ashley Bertram Dec 2013
She's come so far
For everything to fall apart.
She masks the pain behind
A sweetened, broken smile.
The truth, so plain,
Stares her down.
The simple sound of her own shame
Haunts and taunts and blocks
The way to her dreams.
She's the end, and it's coming.
About to break, and fear has escaped.
There's no where left to turn,
But to fight the insanity.
694 · Apr 2012
Forces.
Ashley Bertram Apr 2012
Forces pull from the center
Of the Earth.
You can feel it.
Ripping you.
Tugging you.
It's insatiable, you say,
And you don't think
You can overcome it.

"Oh, woe is me,"
You think to yourself
In a hushed tone.
Darkness consumes the light
And you're tossed aside
Scorned.Used.
Weeping, you've recollected
And back upon the chosen path.

There's no higher power
To give you what you long for.
It was your freewill,
That which all humanity shares,
That led to this dark abyss.
You've made your mind,
It's time to reap what you have sown.
Feel it pulling you
from the center of the Earth.
651 · Oct 2011
Addicted to Your Taste
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
Raging desire fills my lungs,
Envelopes my actions,
Screaming in agony.
If only resisting could
Solve the internal conflict
Building inside.
No, if only I had
The control I tell
Myself I have,
Then consequence would
Not be a disregarded
Afterthought.
But it engulfs every
Kind desire I have left,
And leaves me
Alone.
Undesired.
Oh how the woe of
Desire has left me
Unable to commit.
Unable to do the most
Pressing deeds.
Those that love me,
Are constantly in harm.
I care, not for what
May come to me, but for
The innocent lives
I've put in peril.
Yet, the rush pushes
All cares away,
And I circle back
To the raging desire
That fills my lungs.
576 · Oct 2011
The Answer
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
And here we are,
Congregated amongst
The broken and bitter,
Uneasy to receive the
Answer we are all
Dying to know.

I stroll through the crowd,
Weaving and ducking to
Find my rightful place.
No one dares to question me,
For minds are wandering;
Mine being no exception.

As perplexed as I am,
I have the faintest idea
Of the grounds of our summoning and
Dismay is sure to encompass
The shattered hearts around me.
As I near my destination,

Soon to endure my fate,
I repent to ALL my
Inner Demons,
Only to reach the image
Of a familiar,
Most confounded face.

Enlightenment swarms and
I'm brought to the light.
Humbly, I step from
The regal platform;
Contented, relieved, and liberated.
For now I find, There is
nothing better suited
To pass judgment,
Than that of a man's heart.
554 · Dec 2013
Inextinguishable
Ashley Bertram Dec 2013
Never have I felt this sort of
Passionate, lascivious heat.
It has kindled my heart and it
Burns only for you and your light.

You, my light, so bright and immaculate,
Encompassing my soul to illuminate
All my hidden baggage,
Which you pack up graciously,
Incinerating it in the midst of our fire.

Our bright fire is unbiased, just, and free.
It cares, not for life before ignition,
But for the current flame, and
The fuel which feeds the vigorously blaze.

It blazes from mere embers, and explodes
To shine upon our glorious bodies.
Together at last!
We have been fused together by
This immeasurable, thriving fire.
529 · Apr 2012
Life.
Ashley Bertram Apr 2012
Intricate details lining the inner and outer meaning
Lead in to every question and answer.

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction;
No coincidences here.

So you say you know the answer?
Our measly reason for existence?

It's recommended to not speak of it,
If Humanity were to hear, She'd be suicidal.

Misery, doubt, and society's woes
Rip the pieces of self worth to shreds.

The reality of the situation is like beauty,
In the eye of the beholder.

And if indeed the beholder is true,
You are most likely false.

It is common law amongst our kin to make it so.
Contrary to popular belief, the world was not made for us.

But that's just my take,
If you inquire within it might prove to be something you didn't bet on.

Maybe. It's probably false though,
Only if we refer to common law number one.

Motive for the circular motions?
Life. That is all.
524 · Oct 2011
Little Black Bird
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
Little Black Bird fly,
Little Black Bird fly.
Escape your poisoned air.
Escape your certain fate.

Little Black Bird fly,
Little Black Bird fly.
Daylight shows the truth.
Daylight shows your fate.

Little Black Bird fly,
Little Black Bird fly.
Night is your only solace.
Night is your only escape.

Little Black Bird die,
Little Black Bird die.
Your journey has been executed.
Your journey has come to it's end.
479 · Aug 2012
Inner-Self Twined
Ashley Bertram Aug 2012
You are inside me.
When I breathe, you breathe.
When I laugh, you laugh.
When I cry, you cry.

You are inside me.
You are the heart on my sleeve.
You are the thoughts in my brain.
You are the glisten in my eyes.

You are inside me.
When I dance, you dance with me.
When I sing, you sing the refrain.
When I dream, you are there to my surprise.

You are inside me.
470 · Oct 2011
Let Lone
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
This, like a Rose, is
Withered and wore.
Clinging to
The very life it's been given.
Shall it be,
Let Lone?
Left to the cruel notions
We call time?
Or in our despair for this,
Empty, lifeless Shell,
Shall we take it in,
Revitalize it?
My answer:
No.
All come to a Time where they need,
Let Lone.
To ******* and pass on to another
Prime.
This is That Time,
It shall not suffer for it knows
What is to come.
Like I, child, know what is
To Come.
458 · Aug 2012
Scarlett's Letter
Ashley Bertram Aug 2012
Maybe it was the look in your eye,
Or the sweat on your brow,
Or the light that shined through the trees,
That made me fall for your enchanting smile.

Maybe it was not you, but I
That ended our prowl,
We knew this love, we could not keep.
It was only perfect for a while.

Maybe it was not the time,
Or due to the growing crowd,
That ruined our lover's dream,
When we parted ways down the isle.

Maybe it was our different lives
That made it not allowed.
Or the internal screams
To now force us into denial.
447 · Oct 2011
Society's Woes
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
And if asked, I do believe
I'd say, "To be or not to be, today
Has circled in our mind's relief."
If only you had not come,
We'd be (whistling) a different tune.
If only I'd done what I was deemed!
Then, I, as a lifeless vessel, would not seek,
Only to crash without the dream.
To hell with the ****** and off
With their heads; to the good,
Just as worth, do the same.
Sadly, no nobility remains
The times have rapidly changed.
Ripped apart upon completion,
All we have are contemplations
Leading to a better life.
Yet forcibly restrained.
To hell with the entire lot, I say,
They've ruined us in, oh, such a way.
447 · Oct 2011
Open
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
I will pour my heart out like it's a common occurrence.
You will be there for me, I know,
But I am still a little
Hesitant.
I, for one, am not one to be an open book,
But you have got me where you want me
And I will let all my secrets out.
440 · Apr 2014
Downpour
Ashley Bertram Apr 2014
I watched as it began.
It was with that single, trickling drop
The undisputable urge took control
Rolling the storm and it's fury
Across the skies and,  
Feeding the hunger below.

Much like a woman scorn,
The pressure beat down
Upon the earth mercilessly
Prodding over and over,
Showing the true meaning of Nature,
And how shamefully indulgent she can be.

Yet you, you beautiful creature,
Throughout the thunder and lights
You stayed unveiled and unsheltered,
Letting every single part of you
Become drenched in the sins
Of the past, present, and future.

The pure beauty of the scene
Is breathtaking, to say the least.
I Envy you as you take control,
(Like you always do so well,)
With such grace and intellect, but you are
Still so oblivious to my endeared reverence.

So we simply waited as the storm came to it's end.
Together but not together.
Apart but not apart.
You looked at me, so longingly and sincerely,
But I just couldn't find the words to say,
So at dawn's first light you flew away.
437 · Oct 2014
Untitled 2
Ashley Bertram Oct 2014
It was in that moment
that the veil was dropped
and it could not have been
anything more than magickal.

Those sweet lips,
they just called to me.
I answered;
Longingly, passionately.

Oh, can you feel it?
The cold, hard stare of
Judgement baring down,
Reminding me of my sins.

Then, at the strike of the hour
You were gone into the night-
And with the sound of the alarms
I awoke from my slumber.
431 · Oct 2011
No More Tears
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
Rise above me,
And I shall handle the passing.
The tears shall fall,
But don't you worry.
They will not be tears of sorrow,
But tears of joy,
To celebrate these peaceful Times.
You'll throw me a rope and
I'll follow you there.
Don't you worry now,
No more tears shall fall.
426 · Apr 2012
I Am Fear Amongst Men.
Ashley Bertram Apr 2012
I am fear amongst men.
I speak of Peace and Hope,
Yet I leave them with none.
I creep in the night,
Unbeknownst to others,
Seeping and writhing myself
Into every essence,
Of every being.

With my reigns tight
I control and rule
Everything below.
Seen and unseen.
Heard and unheard.
Dead and alive.
I am Your God.
I am fear amongst men.
423 · Oct 2011
Sing Me Soft and Sweet
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
Sure the summer breezes bellow
As they sing me soft and sweet,
Though I cannot help but question
The words they like to speak.

Confusion and worry is all I care to know, yet,
Optimism is surely there, peeking through the shallow groves.

Mother tells me daintily, "Keep it going never stop."
Father talks of silly tales, that would surely shock.
Sure their words would help a fellow,
Keep him marching beat by beat
Though I cannot help but question
The words they like to speak.

Doubt and logic, my dear, is all I care to show
Still many people question, why I never "Grow".

The voices tell me faintly,
"By and by you'll make it through."
Sure their thoughts help me kindly,
As they sing me soft and sweet.
Though I cannot help but question
The words they like to speak.
414 · Oct 2011
Luna
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
My dear old friend,
We meet again!
In this dark time it is wonderful
to see You.
You, too, stare at me,
Glowing,
Not knowing what I am.
You know not judgment, fear,
Denial, nor rage.
You are bright and illuminating.
With you I see all that
I am.
Dear long lost friend,
Thank you for visiting again.
397 · Aug 2012
Luna Pt. 2
Ashley Bertram Aug 2012
My dear old friend,
Once again we meet
Here in this time of darkness.
Do you see me?
Sitting here in your light,
Glowing, just like you!
This time, I know what you are,
Carrying the light I, too, hold inside.
I now know nothing of judgment,
Nor fear, denial, or rage.
You have helped me see all
That I am, through travails and triumphs.
Now I am bright and illuminating,
And shine over your presence.
Dear long lost friend,
I do thank you for visiting again.
Ashley Bertram Oct 2011
Silently weeping
The darling child
Escapes.
Fear no longer
Has His grip
On Her.
Freedom engulfs
Her dreams
And she knows
(That one day)
Everything will be okay.
And as the day
Comes to an end,
She is released; Damaged.
Pain is her keeper
Nevermore.
341 · Aug 2012
Luna
Ashley Bertram Aug 2012
My dear old friend,
We meet again!
In this dark time it is wonderful
to see You.
You, too, stare at me,
Glowing,
Not knowing what I am.
You know not judgment, fear,
Denial, nor rage.
You are bright and illuminating.
With you I see all that
I am.
Dear long lost friend,
Thank you for visiting again.

— The End —