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Campfire

by Ken Harnisch

I might stir the embers in the campfire
If it will help me see your face
Once more before you sleep
The deep night’s purple-black will cloak
Your eyes, which I want to remember
In my sweetest dreams
Before the rising sun
Brings my love to light again.
 
When the orange dawn is risen
Upon the countenance I adore
I realize I will fret again, knowing
Silence is my suffering
Timidity my curse
But with you this near
This time
I may yet rise heroically
And be closer to the words
My lips have never found the will to form.
 

07/16/2001

Posted on 04/25/2007
Copyright © 2024 Ken Harnisch

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Gabriel Ricard on 04/25/07 at 04:04 AM

I like that last line, man. This is a great, vivid piece, and that last line really closes it perfectly.

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 04/25/07 at 04:33 AM

You have such a nice touch with this. There is a tentative nature to this, a feeling of possibilities - "might stir the embers in the campfire" - that segues nicely into the "silence is my suffering". It feels like you are on a threshhold and just need to take that first step, speak that first word. The last three lines are a fine ending.

Posted by Tony Whitaker on 04/25/07 at 07:55 AM

Beautiful, beautiful and so vivid in the moment around the campfire slipping into the silent suffering to say what's on the mind of the camper.

Posted by Kate Demeree on 04/26/07 at 04:14 AM

It is so good to see your poetry flowing once more! *soft smile* You have not lost your touch! This is both evocative and romantic... the longing through the whole poem makes the reader feel very wanting while reading...

Posted by Sarah Graves on 04/29/07 at 01:20 AM

I really enjoyed reading this. You really make the reader care. This piece has a very eloquent, calm feel to it. I think a lot of people deal with timidity especially when they're interested in someone, part of the human condition I suppose. Great read :)

Posted by Anastasia Selby on 10/21/08 at 09:30 PM

fantastic images!! I'm gla I stopped by to read this.

Posted by Kris Mara on 04/23/09 at 12:25 PM

this has a wonderful flow -- your words, again, draw the reader in, intimate and direct with relatable and beautiful imagery....and again, it all leads into that perfect ending.

Posted by Doreen Cavazza on 05/11/11 at 12:41 PM

It's breathy and melancholy. I like the voice of this. Nice job.

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