The Fire

It was a bonfire at first,
dancing and snapping at the night sky,
throwing sparks at the stars.
All-consuming white heat and blinding light
driving away the cold and the dark.
In time the flames grew less intense,
but a gentle warmth remained
even as the darkness crept in again.

Eventually, the fuel expended,
the flames became coals,
the coals became mere embers…
and one by one they cooled and grew dark...

Late in the night,
the last ember still glowed faintly.
Perhaps it could have burned again,
but there was no wind to fan the flame...

The last of the fire is almost gone.
It was wonderful while it lasted
but I don't think it can be rekindled now.

It's almost dawn
and I'm growing cold.
I think perhaps
I should be getting home…

—Susan Records