~Scorch'd

i clutch your love letters to my breast

weathered with fateful, salty tears

i watch the fire  crackle and flicker

it has more life force than me

i ruminate and  wonder

if i threw them in would you burn

could those memories of a life

once cherished, disappear

i catch my reflection

when did my youth slip away

so many promises,

too much heartache

my story began and ended with you

i hate sorrowful parting good byes

yet i know this is my only chance

as if by some magical spell, 

     the parchment leapt 

          through time & space

               enveloped by flames,

as the onion skin unfolded

i felt my skin burning

...and finally scorch my eyes

all that's left are begotten ashes   

Reviews

[annie lee]

A poignant scene, indeed. We may destroy the curling, fluttering ribbons that tie us to a past life, but that doesn't remove the memories. The third stanza is of course, the crux of the matter. Will burning the letters burn away the lover? No, and grief is a difficult trip, making one's way through the mire of doubt, regret and shards of sharp words is a hard road, but once through it, the ashes, as you say, are all that remains. Very intense and starkly visual.

[Frieda P]

Always love your reviews, thanks so much 2minichinz.

[Kristin Lee]

This one makes me think of many things...my husband, my ex fiancé, cooking, past lives, lol. Beautifully crafted.

[Stella Armour]

this must be the deepest emotion of all Frieda..finally letting go.. but still the memories haunt and and seer..i don't know the answer..only acceptance

[Frieda P]

I have a terrible struggle with letting go, good or bad, yes...acceptance is the key, thanks Stella.

[Stella Armour]

you are welcome my friend..

[Onku Ghosh]

Can you burn memories.....they are so mach a part of you.Read your story .Now I understand the angst that is reflected in all your poems.Wonderfully penned thoughts!!!!!!!

[Frieda P]

I'm not sure if that's ever really possible, but we try I think...thanks so much for your glowing review Onku!

[Tai Ryens]

You ARE your memories, and that's what's killing you. I like the thought, how you feel a part of you dies along with the embers of the letters.. Personally, I'd prefer someone else doing it for me.

[Frieda P]

This is true, I guess that's why they stay within us long after they are gone....thanks Tai.

[Souladareatease]

Heartbreaking Write Frieda-Truly Beautiful-wrapped in sad!!!
You added depth from the inkwell with this-Touching Pen!!!

[Frieda P]

Wow Soul, always love to hear from you, thanks so much my friend!

[Pryde Foltz]

I hear ya, sister. Lovely penned.

[Frieda P]

I guess we've all been there, thanks Pryde.

[Leandro Mendez]

so sad, so much pain..and when the wind blows the ashes are gone :(

[Frieda P]

Very sad, thanks for your thoughts here Leandro.

[lee von cleef]

The battle , to let go , knowing good and well, with out the prompt the doors are closed, how can you throw away a piece of life ? But unpacked now 20 years are the letters of what was and is not.

[Frieda P]

Tis a battle alright lee...and 'is not'....yep

[KeeD]

This shows so much emotion, like a phoenix that failed to rise again.. something went wrong in the master plan.. it's really a good read when you say "as the onion skin unfolded, I felt my skin burning and finally scorch my eyes" It shows the pain reflected in layers, the tears jerked from the circumstances and it's just my human nature, I just want to give you a big hug. The content of the poem was clear, who it was about is not, but that's none of our business because this piece just speaks with your heart. Great job my angel.

[Frieda P]

Thanks Kee, you make my heart flutter, always a lovely review from you my friend....

[kublakhan27]

This is genuinely sad...now I really wish I didn't fall asleep last night, not that I know if I'd have anything to say that would make this better...lost love can burn you up, few fires are harder to put out...I felt every line and every image of this one...I'm sorry that you had to write it your best work is done with your heart on your sleeve...well done my friend xoxo

[Frieda P]

Thanks Steve, but we both know we have to take advantage of those zzz's whenever we can, always appreciate you my sweet friend. xoxo

[kublakhan27]

Very true my dear...always a pleasure xoxo