Passion burned hot in the past
logs crest with tongues of fire
scorching air with their touch
radiant heat felt by those
standing close to the flame
giving same in response

now only ash is in the hearth
powdered memories of the past
with no cords to fill the gap
ample fuel short at hand
they're not stacked for fervor's gain
when resolve has passed away

embers promise a last hurrah
all too faint in winter's draft
then these fail like the rest
eternal cold fills my life
warmth a memory on this path
until the grave is found at last.

© 2018. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20180213.