dust and ashes

when all is said and done,
are we no more than the remnants
of last night's fire?

may the soft winds
fan yet one more spark
that i may burn a little longer;

that i may see the flame
sparkle again in your laughing eyes,
that i may once more warm your heart.

and when the fire is finally gone,
take my dust and my ashes
and without sadness or regret,
give them to the wind.


9/30/1991