I up and disappeared today
went out, like low burning embers
in a springtime bed of ashes.
Â
I sizzled and hissed a little
then just waned without much fuss
I reckon a few cold folks
Â
will miss me, and one or two
may even poke at the stove
to try and rekindle me
Â
but I’m silent for five years
except here, inside this tinder box
where I nurture this flame
Â
keeping it alive
for my day in the dry forest.
Ah, potential energy then hugh? By the laws of conservation of energy you are never lost, you radiate.
not sure what to comment–five years? Never know when a good breeze will come up.
ozy,
Thank you. Potential energy, law of convservation of energy and mass…you speaka my language. haha. I really hadn’t thought of it in that way, but absolutely. That’s the underlying idea of the piece!
Scot,
That’s true, one never knows. But five years seemed fitting since this poem follows on the heels of another one with that number. I guess I was thinking of it like a sequel…a poetic sequel. It works in novels [okay, I’m being goofy, I know, but everybody’s allowed to be goofy sometimes.]
Nochipa
I like the idea.
Thanks, Scot!
I gasped when I read the ending; loved its unexpectedness, the brilliant idea behind it, the I-will-have-my-day-you’ll-see tone. 😉 Cheers.
love this poem.
i lost you for a while but found my way back and am adding you to my blogroll so i don’t lose you again. (I warm myself here.)
been awhile–still writing–any forums?
Rick,
Thanks so much for finding your way back! Thank you for your encouraging words. I think I’ve told you but I love your paintings, especially the Nahuatl-like images, feel and color to many of your pieces. I like the originality and movement in them as well.
Scot,
I have had so little time to write lately. My father had a heart attack recently and helping him get back on his feet has been extremely time consuming and I suppose you know how demanding teaching can be this time of year. I do hope to write some over the next few weeks, especially in April when I get a spring break.
As for forums, I haven’t been doing any. I honestly think that the best feedback I’ve received has been from folks like you on the blogs.
My wife said something must have happened in your life–I do hope things get better for you and your father…yes the countdown is on and the pace picks up right about testing time–no forums–getting about 100+ hits a day on blog–see ya soon.
nochipa, hope your dad recovers well.
i found your site awhile ago…lost it somehow…so now ive found it again havent i….
Ambit noise; ambient.
That finds a place amid the breathing.
All those quiet proofs of life. Standing still
In quiet contemplation ,
of the Breath
Short
Sweet gasps
To know it’s just… quick
Proof of life
And right
To breathe
louis
Thank you, Rick.
Louis,
I’m so glad you found me here.
Your reply is absolutely beautiful, very much a poem I completely enjoyed reading.
Nochipa