Life and Death by George Hoernera spark springs through
the dry pine straw
yellow, red, and blue flames
flicker through air searching
for more dry tinder
licking the edges, testing
for the driest pieces
the quickest nourishment
that encourages desire and growth
flames climb through dry fuel
displaying a ravishing hunger
for growth and survival
following the wisps of smoke
feeling for air currents
which reach upward
chewing the rough outer bark
reaching the soft split interior
the splintered branches, limbs
or trunks of tough oak or hickory
it matters not as the flames
are now raging
thrashing about grasping
trying to cling to everything
demanding more and more
oxygen to feed and extend
this furious fervor
flames now flourish but
suddenly almost as if by instinct
the flames subside
seeming almost sufficient
unto themselves while
now revealing
warmth and tenderness
of radiating red hot coals
steady in their heat and color
slowly diminishing in
level of radiance and brightness
as ever so slowly time passes 10/15/2005
Posted on 01/27/2009 Copyright © 2024 George Hoerner
Member Comments on this Poem |
Posted by Don Matley on 01/27/09 at 02:38 AM As a child I sat on the hearth of my father's fireplace and stared in amazement at the rites of passage of the fire from start to glowing embers. My father,being English, had the fireplace added after the home was built. He roasted chestnuts in it as we did popcorn. I have a fireplace and it often takes me back to my youth as I still am seduced by the licking flames. Your poem is a great descriptive of the phenomenon. If I ever run out of wood I will sit on the hearth and read it aloud. Thanks. |
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