Old Smoke

or Did You .. old flames never die but given enough time they make a great fertilizer :)

Did you think my torch would burn forever

And last till the end of days?

These tears that have flowed so freely

 have quenched that old flame.

With each new day I have less disdain

not even a fume from smoke remains.

My ears burn not when your name I hear.

Nor do I feel that roller coaster ride

when you pass near.

So now that my broken heart is no more

I find a touch of humor, when from you

I spy that old smoke

and to myself

make a mental note:

old flames never die but

given enough time

they make a mighty fine

fertilizer :)

Reviews

[R J Askew]

This is wise, wry and waspish in equal parts. It acutely observes and catches how life changes us and how we deal with it. Life can be sooo painful in the way it pulls us around almost without us realising it sometimes, but your poem also shows that if we are wise we can work it out and eal with it -- post conflagration. Sigh, meanwhile those who follow us are busily walking into the flames! And so it goes. Maybe the best part is when we are about to step into the flames for the first time. But of course none of us know that at the time. Sigh. I like the way you nail things down some big themes great economy.

[John Jackson (El Juero)]

An interesting take,,, I like it! I still have some unpleasant thoughts/feelings regarding my Ex Wife. This poem actually gave me some perspective in a fun and constructive way.
Thank you!

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

TIme does heal all wounds... I love the ending, very witty.

[Ed Hart]

hell hath no fury

[?]

haha, now thats what I call smoldering hot. lol
Thats an awesome ending there Cherrie (given enough time they make a mighty fine fertilizer) Spoken like a fellow Oklahoman.
Loved it girl

[Gomer LePoet]

LOL. I love this Ms. Palmer. something a bit different from you. So you're saying old flames tend to be full of, uh nutrients? lol Love it!

[roarke]

lol. you should have used the fertilizer line in the poem. There something else smoldering between the lines, maybe the flame has become a pillar of ashes.... solid write CP.