Ash and Gold

My books are available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/Thomas-W.-Case/author/B0CL2RKDGX?ref=sr_

The worthless things burned up.

Ash fell like snow

at a funeral.

Jukeboxes hummed the wrong songs,

flat, meaningless anthems

to a life long gone.

I saw my old self tumble out of a bar,

shirt torn, fedora dirty,

jacket soaked with beer

and vomit.

I think a dove looked at me once

and shook its head.

Through the flames, I kept score.

Bottles I didn’t drink,

pills I didn’t swallow,

words I didn’t throw.

Fairway greens, swinging clubs

without breaking windows.

Throwing a spinner bait

under a willow tree.

Kissing the river

without cussing

at the ducks.

One stubborn step

out of chaos

was enough

to survive.

Some things turned to gold.

Some turned to steel.

Some flattened and smashed

like tin cans

under a hobo’s foot.

The nonsense, the vanity,

the garbage promised heaven,

delivered confusion

and hangovers.

And yet, in the corners

of the disaster,

I found what stayed:

real beauty,

values that crouched hidden

like a stray dog

in the garage,

the things fire

couldn’t touch.

I’m surrounded by the things that stayed.

Coffee that bites back,

cats nodding in the sun,

squirrels and robins

dancing in the spring light,

echoes of friends long gone.

Small things survive the fire:

integrity, reverence,

a quiet hum reminding me

some parts of life

are worth holding on to.

And in the stillness I bow.

Cup lifted to the orange

and pink sunrise

that feels like forgiveness

and cattails

brushing my cheek.

Whisper thanks to the creator

beaming soft

through my window.

Small hands of time

and wisdom

guiding me

past the fire.

These things survived the fire.

And so did I.

A little singed,

a couple of second-degree burns,

but wiser

through the flames.

Author's Note

Some poems are better heard than read.
I recently recorded a long-form reading from my book Sleep Always Calls.

Listen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH0fSZlrjno

My Books are available on Amazon.
— Thomas W. Case

Reviews

[Rosie C]

This a self-reflective piece.

I can sense some ambitiousness from the writer throughout the stanzas. I really liked the fifth stanza the most. The lines were more vivid and eye-catching.

A few intense, descriptive details. Some creative choice of words. I felt a lot of warmth from this piece. Very inviting, indeed.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, so much.

[Chris Shaw]

You are a survivor. The journey has been fraught with obstacles you have overcome and now you reap the benefits and mother nature is with you always. A great read Thomas.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[John the Baptist]

Yes indeed, an ordeal by fire described skillfully here. The key to survival was being able to see the good in the midst of the flames, something many have not been able to do. This ability likely prevented giving up, which could have led to disaster.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend.

[red93]

Fabulous Thomas - the Fire cleanses all. The dark and troubled Heart of the US of A. Some great lines in this Piece. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend.

[Soren]

Although it seems real I take the fire as metaphor and like a Buddhist cling to the idea of divesting oneself of all desire, what remains is the person, their integrity, what is of value and enlightenment. A lovely poem Thomas.

[Thomas W Case]

I appreciate it.

[Soren]

You are most welcome Thomas

[Nothing Is Real]

Wow Thomas W Case! That is amazing! Of course, it's relatable as your most famous works are! You hit the proverbial nail on its never completely disappearing head. You're awesome!

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much.

[Neville]

Say it like it is why don'tcha .. proper poetry hits hard like a kick the gut or a sneaky kidney punch .. I'm not one for soft or soppy blows I'm int to garrots n guillotines .. this one just took my breath away .. Neville

[Thomas W Case]

Thanks, my poetic friend.