An old flame.

Inspired by the song - Even in the quietest moments, by Supertramp.

In the darkness of my silent room, a tiny, but wise, flickering candle spoke to me, saying: "like a passionate flame that danced in the night, eventually, even at its most intense fiery moments, it knows it will soon dim and disappear, leaving only the memory of its heat and brilliance behind."

Pulling the covers over my naked body and closing my eyes, I felt the deep sadness of its wisdom as I inhaled the lingering scent she left behind on the sheets.

A scent that soon dimmed and disappeared.

Author's Note

Critiques, praise, enjoyment, and anonymous presence welcome.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Your poem reminds me of something from my distant past . . . back when I used to wish good things would last, could last. I remember such longing, as expressed by your wistful words. That was before I became hopelessly jaded in the belief that nothing lasts, as your poem also conveys. This msg paints the conundrum of the fleetingness of everything! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Relic]

Well said, Margie. Thanks for the review.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

great song and group...
and that candle will flicker and go out...that's the reality of her leaving.
but the memory will perpetually relight the candle...
and the speaker will think of her on those lonely nights...
Even when the moments aren't quiet.
j.

[Relic]

Thanks for nice review, J.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

A candle flickers and flames. When doused, wisps of smoke rise through the air, a silent prayer, its fragrance drifting, dreaming, divine. Lost love lingers long after, its fragrance haunting the senses, the soul, the sight of memory in our minds.

[Relic]

Beautifully said, Linda. Thanks for reading.

[The Analog Kid]

I love it Tim. You made me think back to one I did 9 years ago with that song. I just re-posted after reading yours. Great minds think a like. The lingering scent and sadness is so palpable in your version.

[Relic]

I appreciate that, thanks.

[The Analog Kid]

Anytime Brother!

[Susan 🦋]

Ya tugging at the heart strings here... In quiet desperation. Strong words, even stronger feelings. Well done!

[Relic]

Thank you, Susan.

[Robert Trakofler]

like the waves produced from the candles heat its original form may disappear but it put in motion an impression like her memory and the scent of it may physically leave but the impression lasts long after her presence and now memorialized by your words. This is a gorgeous analogy from one wise flickering flame to another truly good sir!

[Relic]

Thanks so much, Robert.

[Chris Shaw]

Such sadness in these lines Tim. Scents can surely evoke memories. Beautifully written and I appreciated the music too. Supertramp, they take me back a while. Funnily enough to a scene reminiscent of the lines in your poem. All the best.

Chris

[Relic]

Thanks for the visit, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome my friend. Have a good day.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Relic... candles burning and lovers yearning...
breathing scents of peonies where passion lay...
tramping through moments that defy reality.
Your poetry is rich with longing. truly, Pat

[Relic]

Thank you very much, Pat.

[Anne’sRants]

i love the personification in the first stanza. It's too bad that sadness and wisdom are so closely linked

[Relic]

Yes, it is. Thank you, Anne.