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The Fire Inside

Today for lunch I dined on some Tex-Mex cuisine, jalapeno topped enchiladas and refried beans; a favorite here in Texas, that can’t be denied, but this afternoon I am battling the fire inside. Washed it down with a margarita and wedge of lime, it was very soothing and delicious at the time. It gave my head a little buzz and made me cross-eyed, but now my gut is suffering from this fire inside. I used to have no trouble eating this spicy food, but now it causes burning in my stomach to intrude. And yet I do not worry for in my desk does hide a jar of Tums to relieve me from this fire inside. November 7, 2017 Poem of the Day - November 8, 2017

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Emilia James

Date: 8/27/2021 2:26:00 PM

I'm not a fan of hot and spicy foods even mild ones burns my mouth. Your poem did make me smile. Hugs, Emilia : )

John Gondolf
Date: 8/28/2021 12:07:00 PM

It is hard to avoid spicy foods here in Texas and there are so many really good Tex-Mex restaurants. Thank God for tums! Hugs, Jojn

Carl Jent

Date: 1/8/2018 12:31:00 PM

John, After reading several of your poems, I find your poetry excellent. You write in a similar manner as I, though you are much better. Humor is something special. I just wrote "Another Treatment" and tried to project humor in a serious topic. Keep up the good work and I will keep up the reading. Wayne

John Gondolf
Date: 1/8/2018 12:40:00 PM

Wayne, thanks for your comments, I appreciate it; and thanks for the encouragement and following my writing, it's always welcomed. John

Rhoda Tripp

Date: 1/6/2018 11:29:00 PM

Stomach issues be damned, I'm craving some hot stuff after this read. Cajun shrimp possibly?

John Gondolf
Date: 1/7/2018 2:55:00 PM

Yes, Cajun shrimp...maybe shrimp Creole, one of my favorites. btw, I'm 20% Cajun. :)

Caycay Jennings

Date: 12/2/2017 10:45:00 PM

Hey, John from Texas. I am now craving fajitas, but not Dallas where I lived longer than anywhere else in my army-brat rooted life. I've been to the ER in Duncanville, Texas from heartburn so I'm glad Tums does the thing for you. Heartburn is rude, but your clever poem proves if one tries hard enough, they will uncover humor - eventually. I truly enjoyed your wit and am truly now hungry. Steak or chicken Fajitas, either, both, now! All the best ... CayCay

Caycay Jennings
Date: 12/3/2017 12:57:00 PM

Recall you now the green highrise on Ross in downtown Dallas? Built mid 80s with unique angles, 45 stories leading to a point? I was the construction site secretary for HVAC and plumbing for the entire 3 years, then I worked in the San Jacinto tower for 13 years, before crossing the street to work for a company on Harwood for 3 years. 67 to 35 to Woodall Rogers I could do blindfolded. You and I were very probably in close proximity somewhere in Dallas, at some point! My son was born on Colorado. I read your impressive bio. AND, one last thought, please know that I only comment sincerely, try to only live that way as well. Be blessed ... CayCay

John Gondolf
Date: 12/3/2017 11:38:00 AM

CayCay, thanks for your comments, I'm glad you enjoyed my humor. If you ever visit Dallas we will go out for fajitas, I know the perfect place, and I have enough Tums for both of us afterwards. Thanks for the visit. John

Robert Lindley

Date: 12/2/2017 1:01:00 PM

What a delight to read this very fine POTD MY FRIEND! Love the humor, creativity and excellent rhyming. Afav and thanks for the smiles..

John Gondolf
Date: 12/3/2017 11:32:00 AM

Thanks, Robert, I'm glad you enjoyed my humor. Thanks for taking the time to read my poetry.

Jannie Breedt

Date: 11/30/2017 12:35:00 AM

Hi John, it feels like Im missing out on some good food here. Interesting take and I would like to join you on that margarita too. I dont mind the burn.

John Gondolf
Date: 11/30/2017 4:44:00 AM

Jannie, thanks for the comment and for taking the time to read my poetry. You’re welcome to join me for that margarita any time, cheers.

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 11/28/2017 7:57:00 PM

Yea!For Tums i take that to when I have heartburn. Good stuff. have a nice evening my friend.

John Gondolf
Date: 11/28/2017 8:46:00 PM

I have a jar at the office and a jar on my nightstand. Thanks, Darlene, you have a good evening too.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 11/25/2017 10:32:00 AM

I went to your BEST poems and found out this clever take of yours has become your NUMBER ONE poem at Soup. Congrats for that.

John Gondolf
Date: 11/27/2017 7:07:00 PM

Thank you, Andrea, I think a lot of people have enjoyed this one.

Afzal Nusker

Date: 11/24/2017 10:31:00 PM

Your take on the theme is totally different from the others. I like the fiery humor in this one.

John Gondolf
Date: 11/27/2017 7:03:00 PM

Thank you, Afzal, I’m glad you enjoyed my humor.

John Fleming

Date: 11/15/2017 4:13:00 PM

Upon reading your poem I realize I am one of those fortunate ones who, as he has got older, still retains the ability to eat insanely hot curries and the like...but there again I always had a digestive system like an old boiler. Enjoyed this one, John -- certainly brightened up my evening! My best regards. :) john

John Gondolf
Date: 11/15/2017 4:17:00 PM

Thanks for your comments, John. And just so you know, I'm envious! Even though the spicy foods bother me, I eat them anyway; I just have to buy Tums by the jar. John

Gary Bateman

Date: 11/15/2017 12:47:00 PM

Hello John, Thanks for your recent comment on my sonnet!! And my sincere congratulations to you on the POTD honor as well. "The Fire Inside" is a very interesting rhyme. Like Connie, I thought that it might be a romantic or a love poem. But the Tex-Mex Cuisine theme is very interestingly developed and articulated all the same. And any poem that mentions "a margarita and wedge of lime" is all the more better in my book. LOL!! Superb Write!! Cheers and Best, Gary

John Gondolf
Date: 11/15/2017 12:57:00 PM

Thanks, Gary. I figured everyone else would be writing love poems for the contest so I took a different approach; I've had a lot of fun with it. I wrote a proper love poem for Julie's current contest.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 11/14/2017 5:45:00 PM

I thought this might be romantic by the title, but I could relate to the fire from spicy food. I avoid it now. Congratulations on having this creative poem honored with POTD John! : )

John Gondolf
Date: 11/15/2017 6:45:00 AM

Thank you, Connie. I took a different approach to "the fire inside" than most; sometimes humor is good. John

Gregory Richard Barden

Date: 11/14/2017 5:00:00 AM

Beautiful write, John, congrats on your well-earned win, friend. Blessings! :-)

John Gondolf
Date: 11/14/2017 5:57:00 AM

Thank you, Gregory, glad you enjoyed.

Line Gauthier

Date: 11/13/2017 10:46:00 PM

Very cute. I enjoyed your poem.

John Gondolf
Date: 11/14/2017 5:56:00 AM

Thanks, Line, glad you enjoyed my humor.

Jan Allison

Date: 11/13/2017 6:24:00 PM

many congrats on your win John:-) this witty write was one of my personal favourites:-) hugs Jan x

John Gondolf
Date: 11/13/2017 6:39:00 PM

Thank you so much, Jan, you’re was a favorite of mine as well.

Maureen Mcgreavy

Date: 11/11/2017 7:07:00 AM

Giggles! Delightful pen :) congratulations! xomo

John Gondolf
Date: 11/11/2017 7:16:00 AM

Thank you, Maureen, I'm glad I gave you a chuckle this morning. John

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 11/10/2017 7:22:00 PM

oh and forgot to say. BIG congrats on POTD

John Gondolf
Date: 11/10/2017 8:04:00 PM

Thank you so much, Andrea.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 11/10/2017 7:21:00 PM

just read your funny reply to my comment!!!

Roy Pett

Date: 11/10/2017 3:54:00 AM

Congratulations on achieving POTD John with your well written and funny poem. :))

John Gondolf
Date: 11/10/2017 4:48:00 AM

Thank you, Roy. I’m glad you enjoyed my humor.

Maria Williams

Date: 11/9/2017 10:41:00 PM

Many congrats on POTD John, nothing like a bit of spicy humour to start the day. Shame about the ....well.. at least you had the jar of Tums handy. I really enjoyed this fun write, made me smile. Btw i just about live on spicey food...Maria

John Gondolf
Date: 11/10/2017 4:51:00 AM

Good morning, Maria. Thank you; I’m glad you enjoyed my spicy humor this morning. Thanks for your comments and visit. John

Jan Allison

Date: 11/9/2017 6:41:00 PM

You're on fire with this one John many congrats on POTD:-) hugs Jan xx

John Gondolf
Date: 11/9/2017 6:50:00 PM

Thank you my friend, your comments are always appreciated! John

Judith S

Date: 11/9/2017 3:43:00 PM

Gave me a laugh! Can't do that spicy stuff myself. Congrats on POTD!! Best, Judy

John Gondolf
Date: 11/9/2017 3:45:00 PM

Thank you, Judy, I'm glad you enjoyed my humor.

Heidi Sands

Date: 11/9/2017 1:21:00 PM

I am back to say congratulations for POTD! :)

John Gondolf
Date: 11/9/2017 3:07:00 PM

Thank you, Heidi.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 11/9/2017 12:35:00 PM

- Even if you initially just want to swallow, you make a stomach a favor by chewing a little extra before swallowing ... palpitation, sweating, hiccups, tears and a sense of happiness ... I can feel it :))) - Luck in the contest and congratulations on your p.o.t.d., John :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

John Gondolf
Date: 11/9/2017 3:06:00 PM

Anne-Lise, thank you so much for your comment. Glad you enjoyed my humor.

Eve Roper

Date: 11/9/2017 11:39:00 AM

Lovely write , John, hell why does this have to happen.. Getting old is helllllllll.... Congratulations on POTD Hugs Eve ~`*

John Gondolf
Date: 11/9/2017 3:05:00 PM

Thanks, Eve, you're right, getting old is hell...thank God for Tums!