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Up In Smoke

Once, there burned a fire deep within my heart but that was long ago, before love was torn apart Scribed were pages of sonnets, romance at its best I shelved the albums by virtue of my own behest because they caused me too much pain and sorrow, and so, I thought, 'I'll get rid of them tomorrow.' Ten years went by, but today they were torched Memories, up in smoke, my poems were scorched I couldn't bear to read them, or I would reminisce Flames sputtered their cries with an incessant hiss Sheafs penned when with love I was sorely smitten, verses and lyrics for countless songs he had written Gray clouds hovered; tainted air encircled my head Edges of curling parchment were singed as ink bled I watched them crinkle and smolder in the trash The wind carried my words swirling in flurries of ash I was renewed with pain as I breathed the smoke It felt like my heart was mourning as thunder broke There was a tightness in my chest and my throat I was drowning in the rain, trying to stay afloat Sparks fed my sadness as smoke drifted to the sky Sobs escaped from my lips in an emotional outcry The storm soaked the remainder of prose and verse I turned and walked away with a groan and a curse January 17, 2022 This or That, Vol 9 Contest Edward Ibeh, Sponsoring

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




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Date: 3/24/2022 3:45:00 PM
Powerful, passionate poem, Lin. I've experienced that type of hurt. It seems death would be so much more merciful. The 7 worst months of my life followed, looking back death would have been better. But I made it through, and life is better than I ever could have imagined during those 7 months of hell. I'm glad you're able to write again. A poet friend in Texas, Bill ... Hugs
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Date: 1/28/2022 10:09:00 AM
Lin, congratulations on your win with this wonderfully written poem filled metaphoric depth and wonderful images. Connie is right - it is poignant as you describe your journey from love lost to letting go on the edges of healing. All the best blessings to you and your healing heart.
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Date: 1/28/2022 5:15:00 AM
Outstanding work, Lin:-) Heartiest congratulations on your top win in my contest!
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Date: 1/26/2022 6:28:00 AM
This is really amazing poetry, Lin, congratulations on top win:)
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Lin Lane
Date: 1/26/2022 6:35:00 AM
Many thanks, Jo.
Date: 1/25/2022 7:42:00 PM
Beautiful work. Congratulations!
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Lin Lane
Date: 1/26/2022 6:35:00 AM
Thank you, Chris.
Date: 1/17/2022 4:13:00 PM
This masterly poignant poem is sure to take a top winning position Lin. What a talent you possess! Bravo! I loved this. Blessings xxoo
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Lin Lane
Date: 1/18/2022 2:37:00 AM
Hi Connie. Thank you so very much for your kind encouragement. I hope all is improving in your world. Hugs.
Date: 1/17/2022 3:29:00 PM
It was the right thing to do Lin and I hope it brings you closure. Knowing they were there must have always been on your mind taunting you. We can't change the past but we can plan for a brighter future. Hope you're well. Tom
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Lin Lane
Date: 1/18/2022 2:36:00 AM
It did bring some closure, Tom. I should've done it much sooner. Thanks for your wise insight.

Book: Shattered Sighs