Poetry About Embers

Red embers breathe beneath a coat of ash. The loud flames have finished their bright argument. One branch keeps a necklace of orange light. We warm our hands near what is almost over. Morning may find only gray and smoke. For now, the dark remembers heat.

Look again from the quieter edge. The loud flames have finished their bright argument. A smaller detail changes the whole scene. We warm our hands near what is almost over. Attention loosens the first easy answer. For now, the dark remembers heat.

Red embers breathe beneath a coat of ash. Hours pass, but the image does not leave. One branch keeps a necklace of orange light. It returns us to fire after flame, warmth, memory, danger, renewal, and the quiet persistence of heat. Morning may find only gray and smoke. The day continues with a more attentive heart.