Embers

The memory of fires
Rage in my dreams
Though cooled to embers 
Hidden beneath the ash.

The heat comes nightly
Scorching flesh in the scent
Of brimstone and desire
With a touch of Spring.

Embers left untended
Erupt from time to time
Allowing wildfires to reign
Havoc over beauty.

So do I let go of campfire memories--
of joy and singing from the soul, 
Stamping them out and pouring water
Until all is cleansed in the stream of smoke?

Or do I come back to tend the embers
Knowing dancing flames may burst forth
With the potential for warmth or destruction
Twirling in abandon of love and happiness? 

Some choices are not easy, my friend, and once made, must be seen to conclusion.
And so I dither, wondering if the coals are
Warmth for old age, or heartache's forecasts.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2015



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Date: 7/22/2015 3:24:00 PM
As usual, this is one of the best poems I have read today. An ably descriptive versifier with clear thematic goals....7+!
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Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 7/22/2015 4:27:00 PM
So kind of you to stop by and leave such words of praise.~Jan
Date: 6/27/2015 3:30:00 AM
Ah me Janet - SO much wisdom and insight on display here...I think your choice will be the 5th verse? - Tim
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Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 6/27/2015 5:27:00 PM
Tim, you are probably right. I'll tend them carefully, so they do not damage the present, but love should never be a regret, even when it ends badly.
Date: 6/26/2015 2:25:00 AM
A deeply introspective write, Jan. I see a wise and beautiful mind who will eventually choose what will result in joy. It is, afterall, more lasting than happiness.
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Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 6/27/2015 5:18:00 PM
Memories become less threatening with time and distance. At some point the are morphed into warm fuzzy blankets. Thanks for reading dear Kim!
Date: 6/21/2015 10:21:00 AM
Very moving! Remember the good, learn from the bad, embrace the present. Don
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Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 6/23/2015 1:20:00 PM
Thanks Don for stopping by to read.Jan
Date: 6/20/2015 2:43:00 PM
Your words gently take the reader to your private place where sanity can drift and unravel. This is a deep piece and it struggles with the feeling of helplessness and conformity. Emile.
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Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 6/20/2015 6:34:00 PM
Thanks Emile. Sometimes choices between conformity and happiness are a struggle.
Date: 6/19/2015 5:11:00 PM
this one is deep and I enjoyed the metaphors!! Reminded me a bit of my Cinder Girl!!
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Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 6/20/2015 6:31:00 PM
Thanks Andrea! Coming get over to read/reread Cinder Girl
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