There was a time I remembered
Billowing blinks, yet still i saw
Those were the worst; minute's embers.

Oh the faces of the withered
Charcoal and chalk, but aren't we all?
Those were the worst; autumn's embers

Old ghoulish grove, did I quiver?
Or free the fox from where he clawed?
There was a time I remembered.

Odes to ice rung by crossed fingers
Once was a first, and thrice too far
Those were the worst; seconds' embers.

Have I a spark to crown as clever?
Brazen and jeweled, did that queen fall?
There was a time I remembered.

These ashes I beg to hinder
Don't taint the ticks on chambered walls
There'll come a time I'll remember.
I was the worst; always embers.