Beneath Starlight, a Red Ember

Beneath starlight, a red ember; I think about the past. How life’s events roll slowly forward And leave the present last. I’m standing as their stems emerge From soil too long staid; They grow like weeds and flowers in My yard of moonlight shade. My memories, invasive plants, Consume my empty chair. Deny me any desperate rest Without your presence there. Recalling wandering memories, Adventures conscience free, Reminds of souls without purpose, A soul that still is me. Bring back the rocky quarry edge, The late night New York trains, The tunnel underneath the street, And muscles sore and strained. Bring back the open, solemn night That beckons, calls, persuades, Our longing hearts to mischief hid In midnight’s dark cascades. Bring back freedom from anxious fear, Do that or leave me be. For even though my heart feels still, It still beats to be free. Beneath starlight, a red ember Goes out among the weeds. I close the door on moonlight and My distant memories.