Life's Flame

There’s less heat to the fire,

The sparks are diminishing.

And though the laughter still leads to coughing

And the jokes still come, but stumbled, there’s a missing piece.

The light still shines and is warm.

The joy is overwhelming and comforts.

But if you stare too long into the flame you can see it.

The bare bones are there, not providing the same heat they did once.

Now the sticks are thin and warn.

They lean on one another, attempting to keep up.

But they crumble, and they fall.

The flames consumed them quickly,

And though the spirit is alive and well – the vessel,

Is frail.

Stare into the fire.

Absorb the heat while it is still warm and bright.

Welcome it to feed your soul and nourish what sparks still light.

Carry it with you, for as long as it is there, a fire continuing to fight –

You can postpone the ever-looming night.