What the Smoke Says

This smoke floats

With light airy whispers:

‘Marshmallows,

‘Roast potatoes,

‘Billy tea,

‘Fun by the sea.’

It points to the sweetest one

Points at me.

This smoke floats

Heavy and dark,

It billows and bellows:

‘Crisped leaves

‘And crimson sun

‘Embers are falling,

‘Fire is burning,

‘I’m your alarm,’

It points with the wind,

Says: ‘Time to flee.’

Jessica Nelson

• Submitted in response to Poetry Prompt #44

Jessica said: I live on a bush property, so smoke always brings to mind either campfires or bushfires. I based this poem on my thoughts about the different messages smoke can give us.