When the flame goes out
Wicks glow for a little while
Rising white circles
Give no light // just lots of smoke
Finally // we’re left in darkness
Photos: Dwight L. Roth
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Roth Poetry 
those wisps of smoke can be so mesmerising. a darkness that descends so slowly
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Yes, Thanks Gina!
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Beautiful and sad. Can apply to so many endings.
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Yes, you are right! Thank You!
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This is engaging, but like the extinguished flame, dark and smokey.
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It amazing how much time we spend on the dark and smoky and how little on the flame!
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Beautiful~
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Thank You so much!
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I like your description of such transitions metaphorically represented by a flame going out.
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Thanks Frank!
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Follow the smoke to the darkened sky. Watch it twinkle!
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Very good!
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Thought provoking imagery…may we not let our light or freedom’s flame burn out!
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Thank you. It is so easy to get caught up in speculation!
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I found the poem and the illustration fascinating. I read it twice and then noticed this reply you made to someone:
“It amazing how much time we spend on the dark and smoky and how little on the flame!”
This reply to me is really really worth pondering!
So glad you posted this….it’s really got me thinking this morning 🙂
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Thank you Lillian. This one could be taken is different ways. I am so glad it connected with you. Smokey and dark fits in very well with our political climate! I believe poetry should make one think and rethink life.
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Exactly. Sometimes readers come up with a totally different meaning that what I intended with m words….for me, I never take offense and am never disappointed in that. It’s a sign that the reader “connected with” the words — just as you say. Sometimes, the words of others act as a catapult for me and zing me off thinking about a memory or some other issue. That means they’ve motivated me to think 🙂
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thanks Chuck!
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Always a pleasure sharing your posts, Dwight!!
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That darkness means it is time to sleep and rest. Tomorrow the sun will shine again. Happy weekend.
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Very perceptive Grace! Sweet Dreams!
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Ah, but the memory of the flame lingers on!
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Yes it does!
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First.. those photos are wonderful… love what you did with that last smoke from the glow of the wick…
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Thank you Bjorn. It is fun to play with back lighting and candles.
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Lovely–and thoughtful words–Dwight. I was listening to a poet talk about poems that are accessible to everyone, but that have different levels and meanings. This is that type of poem.
And those photos are amazing!
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Thank you Merril. Thank you so much. I enjoy writing with double meanings. I leaves it open to the reader! The photo is a back lighted candle after being blown out.
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Excellent, Dwight!
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But we have the afterglow in our mind’s eye! (K)
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yes, you are right!
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And not a hint of anxiety, the positivity of change and dark came out for me.
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Thanks for your thoughtful comment!
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You are most welcome
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