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When The Bed Burns

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July 6, 2025

Contest: Juxtaposition
Sponsor: Regina Mcintosh



 

Tongues of solar flare writhe in combat kiss —flame-throwers unleashed iron words h a m m e r e d in fire ferrous words melt as heart-welts once under skin hear the fevered air burn with cheers; c a c k l e s of c r a c k l e s and h -i -s -s bellies of tears full of fire; fire feeds on gasoline tears fire-eaters’ —bellies full of flames turn inside-out as fire-breathers bonfire of marital bliss consumed by wildfire desolation burns holes in lacy i n* t i* m a* c y ashes fall from cigarettes nuclear winter in summer t h r o a t s of songbirds c h a r r e d . . . silence . . . follows blaring —w h o o s h— of serpent fire purification of exuberant sound liability and liberation animates in snaky smoke of HeLL-wraiths apathy clouds form they rain on red heat smother a smolder mother a cease fire ember ice scalds freezes t–h–a–w–s whets flesh — and wets fire extinguished flower bed ashes laid down —passion’s quiet confetti paves a path— w. a. i. t. s — s l e e p w a l k s … d r e a m s

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 7/6/2025 8:00:00 PM
Another level! This one is near impossible to beat for the contest. The stunning metaphoric imagery created splits heart’s emotions in two. Simply superb!
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Date: 7/6/2025 5:27:00 PM
This is so breathtaking! " nuclear winter in summer" "apathy clouds form they rain on red heat smother a smolder mother a cease fire ember ice scalds freezes t–h–a–w–s whets flesh — and wets fire extinguished flower bed" I do not know WHERE you got such imagery - amazing job, Susan!
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Date: 7/6/2025 12:14:00 PM
Well, another cultural reference comes to mind, the movie The Burning Bed with Farrah Fawcett. I think she earned some awards for that one as you should for this roller coaster ride of a poem. From fire to ice you take us on an emotional thrill ride that ends in Dreamland. Kudos
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Date: 7/6/2025 9:07:00 AM
What a powerful "When The Bed Burns" write. Great line, "bellies of tears full of fire; fire feeds on gasoline tears." "Good Luck" Have a blessed day writing away.........
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Date: 7/6/2025 8:41:00 AM
This poem feels like stepping into a wildfire of emotion rage, heartbreak, desire all tangled up in surreal, molten imagery. It is fierce and almost painful in places, but there’s beauty in that destruction. Lines like “bonfire of marital bliss consumed by wildfire” and “ashes laid down, passion’s quiet confetti” hit hard and they show how love and ruin can be inseparable. The way the poem moves from chaos to silence and ends in ‘dreams’ is haunting. It’s like watching a relationship burn down to its ashes, and then waiting to see if anything new can grow. Really intense and evocative.
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Ashley Avatar
Susan Ashley
Date: 7/7/2025 11:29:00 AM
Dear John, thank you for sharing in the fiery imagery of my poem where flames of love and passion can be both beautiful and destructive. It's always a great day when you and SO (..2 of my fav poets) reach a consensus on one of my poems. Your gracious visit is truly appreciated. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan
Ashley Avatar
Susan Ashley
Date: 7/7/2025 11:24:00 AM
Dear Silent One, thank you for your insightful and emotive response to my poem. Your words leave me feeling gratified that my imagery conveyed what I had in mind while writing this.. that there is both beauty and destruction in the fires of love and passion. You see into the heart and soul of my poem with clarity and I treasure your thoughts. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan
Hamilton Avatar
John Hamilton
Date: 7/6/2025 7:21:00 PM
I agree SO perfectly describes my feelings about this stunning write!

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