Once a living fire
Now a dying fire

There lingered a poor ember among the ashes
Poker in my hand, I stoked the fading flames
Just to behold a weak burst of light
With no force of will of its own

I set the poker down beside me
And watched the final flicker
Transfixed on what remained
Its last breath reflected in diamonds brimming

Without my hand it dies
And shivering, I close my eyes
A single tear escapes like a creek
Down a dry bed of cheek

Light extinguished
Darkness anguished