Ashes

The flicker of a tiny spark makes contact and ignites
A tentative and fragile flame within an aimless life.
A wayward breeze enticing, flare heightens into blaze...
Encircling...enveloping...engulfing as it strays.

The raging fire spreading rampant through a willing mind,
Consuming with relentless passion, scorches conscience blind.
Hopes soon blister...lost dreams smolder...faith--now blackened--splits.
When, sullenly, the roar subsides, youth's vision, smoking, sits.

The embers of a dying soul grow dimmer in the dark,
And soon betray the utter coldness of a barren heart.
The coals that cluster close as if they might renew their glow
Give up the feeble effort, letting ravaged spirit go.

The ashes of a wasted life lie scattered on the ground--
A sad memorial to values neither sought nor found.
In time the wind will carry every trace away for good,
And leave a stark and barren void where once a temple stood.