the smell of ashes

the smell of ashes

A Poem by Daniel Atkinson

no one laughed when he told them he was dying.
and when the silence got too big
someone said they were sorry
and people hummed in agreement
there was a cough from the dying man
and he lit a camel and let it sit on his lips
smoke burning his eyes but he didn't blink.
and then someone asked how long
and he told them he didn't know and didn't care
and someone said they cared
and then no one said anything
and when the man died he was burned
and they scattered the ashes in a field near stone mountain
and when the wind came it carried him up the slope to the top
and his ashes settled there
and they haven't moved since.
the silence came back 
but this time it never left.

© 2016 Daniel Atkinson


My Review

Would you like to review this Poem?
Login | Register




Reviews

I like the tone if this write. Intense and indifferent at the same time, striking in all the right places. Makes me wonder where will my ashes settle...is it in a familiar place or somewhere beyond...

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.


Share This
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Request Read Request
Add to Library My Library
Subscribe Subscribe


Stats

201 Views
1 Review
Rating
Added on November 8, 2016
Last Updated on November 8, 2016

Author

Daniel Atkinson
Daniel Atkinson

DULUTH, GA



About
Stephen King nerd, Allen Ginsberg wannabe, lame dad. more..

Writing