Beauty found in an unexpected place |
Whilst revising for my exams at Uni, I was distracted by the light catching smoke drifting from a cigarette in an ashtry on the windowledge. I was so struck by the beauty created by the sunlight casting rainbows in the smoke, that I took a photograph. Looking at the photo a couple of years later, I wrote this poem. *** A break – a few moments rest From reading. The sunlight pours in through the window Illuminating the spider-web tendrils Of smoke, Drifting slowly upwards. I hover my hand Above the ashtray, Caressing the chiffon-like strips, Playing my fingers through The fairy-ribbons, Tying them in smoke-laces. The sun retreats to hide Behind a cloud. Once again my attention returns To revision: back To my books Studying as I should. But my intentions are short-lived – It’s June and the sun Does not want to stay away. It returns, casting rainbow glances Through the hazy wisps, Still swirling upwards. I reach across the table, Grab his camera And photograph my hand: Later developed to show Rainbow curls, catching each joint In kaleidoscopes of light and colour. The cigarette burns out, untouched And I sit, watching the space Where the ethereal threads had been. I wonder at the beauty Produced by something So ultimately lethal. |