Tinderbox

I flew to him as though he was a sultry flame
and I a fragile moth, in need of warm affection.
I danced around him, this man without a name.
In his eyes I saw desire from my own reflection,
smoldering in me was the beast I could not tame.

I was aware of danger. I'd been burned before,
but offered my tinderbox and opened the latch.
With one ardent kiss the fire in me began to roar.
Passion was ignited with the first strike of a match.
One last time, I firmly promised myself.  I swore.

Vows hold no guarantees. They're a simple token.
I felt the sting of my guilty conscience and cringed.
Pledges of love had been torn asunder and broken.
Condemned was I, for my wings had been singed,
and cried in lieu of words too grievous to be spoken.

I cannot deny my fate for sorrow had been earned.
I felt remorse, a scarred creature who remembers
the flaws within me, and the lesson I had learned.
Charred ashes were flying above crimson embers.
In a blazing fire, I watched as my tinderbox burned.



October 26, 2022
This or That, Vol 14 Contest
Sponsored by Edward Ibeh

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022



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Date: 11/13/2022 7:49:00 PM
If I am reading this correctly it is a story about an affair that should have never happened. Wow, that was a powerful little story. Congratulations on your top win.
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Date: 11/11/2022 7:58:00 PM
Great scenes depicted. A beautiful symbolic poem. Congratulations!
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Date: 11/11/2022 3:21:00 PM
Congratulations on your well-deserved win! Jenna. What lovely poetry you've created, with a very well-stated message.
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Date: 11/11/2022 2:35:00 PM
Outstanding work, Jenna:-) I'm faving this gem. Congratulations on your top win in my contest
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Date: 10/28/2022 12:19:00 PM
Ah, the flames that ignite us, then fade away only to be retindered with another...wow-love this potent poem! Nicely done Jenna! :)
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Jenna Logan
Date: 10/29/2022 6:29:00 PM
I sincerely value your review. Thanks, Linda.
Date: 10/27/2022 2:32:00 AM
(In his eyes I saw desire from my own reflection) what a powerful line in your first stanza, I would’ve finished the poem on it Jenna, but hey what would I know, exquisitely written with achingly repressed imagery of one torn asunder, top entry for the contest, cheers David
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Jenna Logan
Date: 10/27/2022 5:24:00 AM
Morning, David. I agree that the line you mention would make a good final line in most poems but using it so in this one wouldn't have allowed me the necessary clarity to fulfill the contest requirements. Your fine reviews of my poetry always encourages me. I thank you for that, and for your contest wishes.
Date: 10/26/2022 5:03:00 PM
Lucky in poetry...not so much in love. On fire, miss Jenna. ~;o)
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Logan Avatar
Jenna Logan
Date: 10/26/2022 11:21:00 PM
Fictional depiction. Thank you.
Date: 10/26/2022 11:28:00 AM
Wow, brilliant writing Jenna, how often we make mistakes in our lives and vow never again, until the next time. Best of luck although I'm with Milton,you won't need it. Tom
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Jenna Logan
Date: 10/26/2022 12:30:00 PM
Welcome back, Tom. I've missed your kind comments. Thank you for this one.
Date: 10/26/2022 9:05:00 AM
A deep and powerful write ~ enjoyed from start to finish
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Jenna Logan
Date: 10/26/2022 12:29:00 PM
I'm happy to know you enjoyed them. Thank you, Seeker.
Date: 10/26/2022 8:22:00 AM
Jenna, these quintains are absolutely flawless. A tear came into my eyes as I read your words...so passionate, so poignant. I see a winner here in Edward's contest!
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Logan Avatar
Jenna Logan
Date: 10/26/2022 12:28:00 PM
Hi Milt. Your kudos hold great value to me, so thank you ever so much for your review of these lines.
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