Smoke Rings

In my mind

sad memories flow

of places so long ago.

Bringing back people I know.

Dark shadows of things

I wish were undone

But long into the night

these memories still come.

Faded pictures of people

and faraway things.

Drift into the air

Like circled smoke rings.

I find an old thought

as a memory floats by.

They are all grey and mellow

bringing tears to my eye

The memory of her

and the sweet love now lost

Is the purple smoke ring

that hurts me the most.