The ashtray is overflowing again.
Lipstick-smudged filters,
crimson ghosts of neon nights
and jagged dreams.
Some cigarettes thin and elegant—
the kind that look like they belong
to women who slipped out of high heels,
blouses half undone,
bent over at the motel dresser,
taking the world on hard and fast from behind.
Others rolled by hand,
zigzag paper, uneven ends,
burned down to the nub
like they didn’t care how they ended.
No filter at all on a few—
just grit and paper
going straight to the lungs,
burning what’s left of the soul.
Ash piled like minutes
that forgot they were supposed to move on.
A spill of whiskey beside it,
caught in the mahogany grain,
a small, perfect pond
on a ragged shoreline.
Nobody remembers who got here first,
or who stayed last.
Just the ashtray
collecting versions of people
who thought the night would never end.
Dust settling in
and all of us
drifting through it.
-
Author:
Thomas W Case (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: June 2nd, 2026 14:38
- Comment from author about the poem: My books are available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/Thomas-W.-Case/author/B0CL2RKDGX?ref=sr_
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 30
- Users favorite of this poem: Tristan Robert Lange, Teddy.15
Offline)
Comments8
Love your poems Thomas so full of life gritty and grimy at times at others sensual soft seductive but all life.
Thank you, my friend.
You are always most welcome Thomas
Makes me remember of ashtrays of various shapes and sizes bearing witness, after the fact. 🙏🕊️
Thank you.
Welcome.
Thomas, this brought back the feeling of walking into a room long after everyone has gone home...where the traces remain and the stories have to be imagined. The poem captures that atmosphere perfectly. I could almost smell the smoke and whiskey lingering in the air. Wonderful write, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Thank you.
Scandalous lol I do love your worldly insight, it reminds me of the 70's 80s in London. 🌹
You are wonderful, sweet Teddy. Thank you.
Reminds me of Film Noir. Gritty writing.
Thank you.
This is so effin good .. I almost felt like lighting up again .. I take my hat off to you T .. Neville
Thank you, my friend.
Love this, Thomas. Just brilliant. Some wonderful imagery. Nicely done.
Thank you, my friend.
The ashtray could tell many a tale if it could speak up. Very descriptive and detailed work 👍🙏🏼
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