ashes

the only fire that inflames me now

crackles constantly your name

white hot and furious over the ashes

of your unwritten melody

and my unwanted soul

the only air flowing thru me now

tastes bitter and smoky

colored in resins i've never learned

in pigments past understanding

you say i may not see you now

though i still hear you when you sigh

you declare there's no love there

but ashes swept aside.

douglas brent smith