A Kiss Goodbye
What's left behind when the smoke clears?
By Cathy holmesPublished about a year ago • 1 min read
Photo by Ruvim Noga on Unsplash
You taste like the smoke of your still-burning cigarette.
It singes my fingers as I reach for your hand through the door.
The click of the lock – the toll of my heartbreak,
The empty package you threw on the floor.
The fire’s gone, and I am left to choke on the sooty remnants.
About the Creator
Cathy holmes
Canadian family girl with a recently discovered love for writing. Other loves include animals and sports.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions


Comments (22)
This is so well constructed. Nailed it!
I like how you cleverly use the cigarette from the first two lines to connect with the idea of choking on soot at the finish. Heavy stuff Cathy!
Impressively done, Cathy! Great imagery choices for each line!
I have to know what’s in the package? Great job with this one
The sensory details and imagery of this poem are excellent. They enhance the sadness expressed in these words and pull the reader in. Great job.
Heart wrenching
Written was real emotion and passion, Great verse,
Oh, the imagery! This is really incredible, my friend! Brava!
Sadly excellent words
Wow. The depth of this is astounding. Amazing poetry!
So visceral.
Gosh this was so visual. Loved it - even if it was incredibly sad.
Oof, that third line hit me so hard! Loved your poem!
A richly detailed story told in a few deft lines. In awe!
This is such a deeply feeling piece - the depth and realism you achieve in such a small format is seriously incredible!! Wonderful work! :)
Awesome!!! Yet, heartbreaking!!!❤️❤️💕
Oh, so emotional, this one. Wonderful job, as always, my friend!
Very good, Cathy. I can see this really clearly.
Very evocative, Cathy. It made me think of some past and very unhealthy relationships.
Your poetic imagery generates a powerful sense of longing and despair, Cathy. Beautiful use of sensory images to evoke feeling!
Fabulous!!!!
Another reason to quit smoking!