A Poem

This is a poem written by my friend Nicki. I think it's beautiful and wanted to share it with you people.

 

On a day from summer gone,

When wisps of mist hung in the dawn,
When puffs of breath did not yet show
And red leaves had not bowed to snow,
I wandered past the houses sleeping,
Careless of the children dreaming.

Happened I upon a showing,
Thick the choking smoke was blowing
From a child who once lay dreaming,
Hoping, then, to remain sleeping
Till the day was bright and warm. 

Black the ashes earthward drifting,
Sooty fog then, finally, lifting.
From within me verse cascaded,
Echoing the screams now faded,
Of the one who died that morn.

Oh, to be those children dreaming,
On that day from summer gone,
How I wish I had not woken 
When wisps of smoke hung in the dawn.