Burned Into Memory

Whenever I smell the sweet aromas made by a log fire,
  I recollect past times of great desire.

  The crackling of the wood, the heat it produces,
  Only more and more memories induces.

  There was a time in college that I spent a Summer outdoors,
  Each night, around a campfire, with a dozen others.

  We sang and laughed and enjoyed life you see,
  Mostly, we enjoyed each others' company.

  Oh, we cooked our hot dogs and burgers too,
  But when the guitars came out, we knew what to do.

  We sang our songs of the joys of life,
  Few of us felt then the pangs of strife.

  Things turned that Summer, at least for me...
  My father died rather suddenly.

  I remember the call I got with the news,
  The fire, that night, had different hues.

  The coals that burned and sparks that flew,
  Foretold of a life...different and new.

  As I grow older and by some chance,
  Smell wood burning in a fireplace by happenstance.

  I recall that Summer when my world changed
  You might say, my life  was "rearranged".

  When I hear the hiss of embers that die,
  I think back to a time when I asked, "Why"?

  Yet, it is still the happy moments of that Summer I miss,
  With the sweet aroma of a wood fire, and its burning hiss.

  For I would not trade that Summer you see,
  It has a special place, here in my memory.

  And once in a while I go back to that spot,
  Where I was young, with passions so hot.

  The sound and smells of a campfire remind me...
  Those times are "burned" in my memory.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010


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Date: 10/26/2010 11:52:00 AM
Congrats on your HM in contest......Luv/Best wishes...........Hitendra Mehta
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Date: 10/25/2010 10:40:00 AM
Congratulations Dan on your HM in Frank's contest. Love, Carol
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Date: 10/22/2010 8:25:00 AM
Such a bittersweet memory, in this lovely poem. I have felt these things too, a moment in time when everything changed in an instant....and certain sounds or smells or visions can trigger the memory, that can bring me to relive the emotions. This is a wonderful poem, Daniel..... ~ Congratulations on a touching heartfelt poem.
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Date: 10/21/2010 4:03:00 PM
Congratulations on this well deserved win in the contest, Daniel
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Date: 10/21/2010 3:41:00 PM
Congratulations on your win..Sara
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Date: 10/21/2010 2:38:00 PM
Congrats Dan on your HM in Frank's contest with this wonderful write..enjoy your special honor tonight my friend with luv..
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Date: 10/21/2010 1:52:00 PM
Yes I can see why those campfires are burned into your memobry. Very nice. Congratulations on your placement. Love, Joyce
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Date: 10/21/2010 1:13:00 PM
Daniel, this is a wonderful poem! Congratulations on your success in Frank's contest! Love, Carolyn
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Date: 10/17/2010 12:19:00 PM
great way to capture memories, awesome poem
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Date: 10/17/2010 10:44:00 AM
a triggered memory well captured, i like this one, enjoyed your write Daniel,..P.D.
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Date: 10/17/2010 10:38:00 AM
Isn't it funny how you've come to associate the burning fire with memories of you father, Daniel. That kind of thing happens to me, too. I'll hear a song and suddenly I'm transported back to the time when I first heard it. I'm sorry you lost your dad with you were so young, but as you say his spirit has been "burned" into your memory. Outstanding poem~
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Date: 10/17/2010 9:38:00 AM
Such a beautiful poem, Daniel. The memories you shared of the way your life changed after your father died were very moving. This is an incredible entry for the contest -- best one I've seen. Best wishes for success. Love, Carolyn
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Date: 10/17/2010 8:47:00 AM
Very interesting write on smells and sounds bringing back the memories of the past, Daniel
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