Ashes

I burned them all to ashes,
The things you used to say.
I guess you didn't write them down,
So you'd avoid this day.

I don't think you considered
The wonders of the mind,
And how it treats the remnants
Of lovers left behind.

You thought I'd always cherish,
The things you gave to me.
But honey, I can't value,
What others get for free.

It's going to take forever,
But I've got many years;
To burn away the memories
Contained in all my tears.

For now I've just avoided,
Substantial pain and strife.
I just incinerated all,
The things that were our life.

They now are only ashes.
No flames of love remain.
Here no Phoenix lies in wait;
For love, to rise again.

GREENWOLFE 1962