An Old Ashtray

There's an old ashtray in the middle of the room,
half filled with ashes and half filled with gloom.
A reminder of things burning away,
like a mind filled with memories, too many to stay.

It's sitting next to an old photo book,
frozen inside are the smiles that were took.
Pictures of Summer's youth and naive trust,
now sitting still and covered in dust.

There's a chair left empty, the other one used,
by an old man with a heart, lonely and bruised.
There's a church down the street, with a graveyard out back.
A stone with two names, together forever, Rita and Jack.

Now Rita lies waiting for her life's mate,
while Jack sits alone til they carve in his date.


 3/20/20
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
July 8, 2022 at 9:19 AM
What a beauty this is, Wren. Just looking over past Marathon winners. One of my faves on that particular list.
Rushing Avatar
July 8, 2022 at 2:14 PM
Andrea you have made my day! To even think that a poet of your caliber would even read my poem much less fav is an honor! Thank you and God bless you my dear poet!
Ashley Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 1:20 PM
Dear Wren, it is a thrill to return to read this exquisite poem once again and to offer you my heartiest congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest. Such potent poignancy. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Rushing Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 1:50 PM
Thank you Susan! It is always great to hear from you my dear friend!
Toney Avatar
June 17, 2022 at 1:09 PM
Hi, Wren. What an intriguing title! In just 14 lines you take us from the old ashtray to the photo book, then to an empty chair, and finally to the church graveyard. The poem ends with a sobering reveal. Wow! Congratulations on your win on Mile 2 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon contest. Mile 3 has already started!
Rushing Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 1:48 PM
Mark want to thank you for the kind words and for sponsoring the contest!
Bueckert Avatar
June 17, 2022 at 12:36 PM
Beautiful and tragic poem Wren, I feel like I can picture him sitting there and feel the grief. Powerful and haunting words
Rushing Avatar
June 18, 2022 at 1:47 PM
Thank you Had for your comments! Have a wonderful day!
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 28, 2020 at 12:55 PM
Your rhyme flows so smoothly in this exceptional poem that drew me in from the first line. Wonderful work Wren! xxoo
Rushing Avatar
April 28, 2020 at 5:39 PM
Thank you Connie! Hope you are doing well my friend!
Ashley Avatar
April 9, 2020 at 3:48 PM
Wren, you had me captivated with this tender, lonely, poignant gem right from the start. I love the intimate emotional imagery. There is such beauty in the sadness. Your last line is keenly impactful for a lasting impression. Superb! Warmest wishes always, dear poet and friend.. ~Susan
Rushing Avatar
April 9, 2020 at 4:31 PM
Thank you Susan for your encouraging comments, as usual! I Hope you and yours are doing well during these trying times. Thank you again my dear friend!
Ward Avatar
March 26, 2020 at 3:44 PM
This poem is a thing of beauty and has many of truth.
Rushing Avatar
March 26, 2020 at 7:04 PM
Thank you Daisy! Have a wonderful evening!
Theraven Avatar
March 24, 2020 at 9:45 AM
This is a fine Last Will & Testament to days that ended, each name upon the other's lips. -Richard
Rushing Avatar
March 24, 2020 at 1:57 PM
Thank you Quoth! Hope you're doing well!
Awtry Avatar
March 23, 2020 at 11:53 PM
“...til they carve in his date”. Whoa what a picture. Another excellent write. Your muse turned up I see.
Rushing Avatar
March 24, 2020 at 1:56 PM
Thank you P.S.!
Pigeon Tart Avatar
March 20, 2020 at 10:07 PM
Excellent penning! Wonderful piece, a fave :), xomo
Rushing Avatar
March 21, 2020 at 11:37 AM
Thank you Maureen for your kind words!
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