Home » Poems » Phyllis Babcock » Smoke In the Eye

Smoke In the Eye

Smoke came in on the wind
a hazy glaze hung in the air
making all appear like fog
or some might call it smog
the nostrils pinched
the throat felt sore
and a cough always near
irritating the lungs
making the eyes red
all hoping the fires die
and a smoke free sky.

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Judy Ball

Date: 8/31/2021 3:57:00 AM

Don 't know why we always seem to get fires in the forests. Some come from lightening and some are set by either careless or or evil campers. Either way I hate it. Well done Phyl. God Bless and thanks fr the wonderful reviews. Could use some prayer if you don't mind. JB

Phyllis Babcock
Date: 9/1/2021 6:41:00 PM

Sending prayers your way Judy. Yes the fires seemed to be in a lot of areas this summer. I do hope they have control on them now. Take care. God bless. love phyl

Jennifer Fenn

Date: 8/28/2021 10:11:00 PM

This describes the situation here in California very well! In fact, if I didn't see that you're from Canada, I would say your a Californian! Our air is so thick with smoke, you can slice it!

Phyllis Babcock
Date: 9/1/2021 6:43:00 PM

Thanks for your comment Jennifer. Yes we a lot of fires this year and lots of sore throat and headaches from the smoke. Getting a handle on most of them now and hope CA is too. love phyl

James Peranteau

Date: 8/28/2021 5:26:00 AM

well my dear poet, my prayers are with you...i've lived in the woods, as in the Cumberland Hills and Red Rock Mountains, but never forests...descriptive write indeed...have a blessed day...much love, james

Phyllis Babcock
Date: 9/1/2021 6:44:00 PM

Thanks for your comment James and the fires are now under control in our province and with the help of much needed rain. Have a blessed day, love phyl

Harry Horsman

Date: 8/24/2021 10:57:00 PM

This is so good, Phyllis, taking the reader into the haze itself. Can relate to this poem, Australia also suffers from devastating fires.

Phyllis Babcock
Date: 8/27/2021 1:05:00 PM

Thanks Harry seems the whole world has fires and a tough time putting them out. Got some rain so that was a big help. love phyl

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 8/22/2021 9:30:00 PM

Hello Phyllis ... reminding me of summer with your poem Phyllis. Eucalyptus forest fires bring acrid smoke, embers, and a stench that is very unpalatable - thank you Phyllis - Lindsay

Phyllis Babcock
Date: 8/27/2021 1:07:00 PM

Hi Lindsay was wondering how you were. Yes the smoke sure can have a stench. Hope all is well your way and that you are not in lock down. We are getting more cases but not in lock down yet. love phyl

Paul Callus

Date: 8/22/2021 2:02:00 AM

Thesr uncontrollable fires are causing havoc everywhere, Phyllis. They are neither good for us nor for nature itself. ~ As an aside....you brought to mind the Platters and their lovely song - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes!! ~ Regards // paul [ps...thank you for reading my poem to Carolyn.]

Phyllis Babcock
Date: 8/27/2021 1:11:00 PM

Thanks Paul and yes the fires are causing havoc in many areas. We were not close but the smoke did get in the eyes and funny that you should mention that song because I thought of that song when I was writing it. Have a great weekend. love phyl

Rico Leffanta

Date: 8/17/2021 11:59:00 AM

Instead of managing forests to limit fire damage, forests are managed for "controlled burning" so mining and other interests can "develop" the land for the "good of the nation!" If "restoration" does take place, it will take at least another 20-years before seedlings can benefit Climate Change, so more than your eyes and nose should be irritated! Aloha! Rico

Phyllis Babcock
Date: 8/17/2021 4:29:00 PM

Yes I agree more than our noses and eyes should be irritated by the devastation taking place. Thanks for your comment. love phyl