REMAINS, TRACES, MEMORIES - last week at college

static images above a shimmering flame,
moist kerchiefs and scribbled names,
monotone of noise encroaches in --
i'm not good with plastic grins.

synthetic eyes and squandered lines,
inquisitive fingers, but - "I am fine"
twenty days and the encroaching bend --
photographs, phone bills and emotions penned

remain as scraps, hungry for the flame --
dry kerchiefs, and forgotten names.

attired looks for the bored eye --
bruised knees, and the want to learn to fly,
is over now -- a petulant whim;
years after -- "that guy...is that him?"

reluctant strolls and images cascade --
memories, of the haziest shade
shake up the images under the shimmering flame --
torn kerchiefs, and once well known names.

So, goodbye dear friends, i bid you well --
invigorating smiles to conceal the swell --
may they make worlds shine and linger on --
for newer eyes to replace eyes that are gone.

backbenched laughs and illegible hands,
will tomorrow seem alien and distant lands?
but the smoke will remain to keep memories of the flame,
burnt kerchiefs and stubbed out names.