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Cinder Man

To ignite a life
within an empty fireplace
where the glow of the flame
reigns supreme,
reminds me
of a life time,
born and death
so, it seems.

For when the flame dies
and to rake through the ashes
sends a shiver down one’s
senescent spine,
knowing that one
similar day,
those embers
akin to mine.

© Harry J Horsman 2018

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Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 1/9/2019 10:24:00 AM

Hello Harry, well I must say, this poem is different. I would rather be cremated. For me it is the way to go. have a nice day my friend.

Sara Kendrick

Date: 12/27/2018 5:17:00 AM

Well, I hope that you are buried and not cremated but that is the growing trend because of the cost of a funeral and burial space becoming scarce. Sara

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 12/26/2018 1:23:00 AM

There is something very special about this wonderful glimpse into the future Harry. I absolutely love this insightful poem. It is going straight into my faves! Merry Christmas my friend! : ) xxoo

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 12/23/2018 12:56:00 PM

"when the flame dies" is curiously not upsetting to me, as I believe the flame can never die, but continues to glow and grow, just in another realm. Thank you for helping me to reflect on this, my poet friend.

Pashang Salehi

Date: 12/21/2018 8:22:00 PM

Some people want to analyze the writer. I just came to learn from your mastery... Happy Holidays.

Gregory Richard Barden

Date: 12/18/2018 6:08:00 PM

Indeed, and it helps keep this "journey" in perspective ... we have to stoke those coals ourselves, quite often, and remember what the fire felt like ... the warmth and the light. I just adore the metaphor here, Harry, and must add this to my favs! Blessings and Happy Holidays, my friend! :-)

Justin Bordner

Date: 12/18/2018 3:34:00 PM

This is rustic poetry that awakens the rumor of age deep in the heart's hearth Harry...an earthy grit that grips the senses, a poem that delivers us to our foundations as human beings...great word choice for the title; "senescent spine", excellent language Poet...J.A.B.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/16/2018 8:54:00 PM

Harry, this one is so melancholy. The title Cinder works great for this kind of poem, my friend. VERY well done. Sorry it took me so long to see this. I'm incredibly busy and way behind on comments. Shucks.

M. L. Kiser

Date: 12/14/2018 5:11:00 AM

I had to "fav" this one, Harry. It grabbed me, pulled me in and held me there to the last word. Excellent pen.

Susan Ashley

Date: 12/13/2018 9:55:00 PM

Oh, I love the emotional depth and rich imagery of your poem, Harry. A beautifully expressive reflection on one’s own mortality. Exquisite poetry. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Charles Messina

Date: 12/13/2018 7:37:00 PM

Sadly true my dear friend. Love this...excellent write, Harry!

Eve Roper

Date: 12/13/2018 6:45:00 PM

Enjoyed reading, Harry, ..

Nette Onclaud

Date: 12/13/2018 3:49:00 PM

this remarkable write makes me reflect on life's mortality, harry... profound thoughts, ohh..huggs

CayCay Jennings

Date: 12/12/2018 8:18:00 PM

Goosebumps, Harry - goosebumps, the dark, deep-seated kind of goosebumps. This touched my own thought drifts and I know beyond a doubt that I have shared the feelings/thoughts you shared in this poem. BUT YOU are the one who pen-captured it and blew me away. Wow. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Constance La France

Date: 12/12/2018 5:09:00 AM

Harry, this touched me deeply, I recall holding my mother's ashes and I was shattered thinking how the most important person in my life was reduced to some ashes, it is humbling, wonderful write and a FAV ~

Arthur Vaso

Date: 12/12/2018 12:21:00 AM

Feeling I often contemplate, what a nice poem!

Tom Cunningham

Date: 12/11/2018 2:38:00 PM

Thought provoking words Harry, indeed our flames will eventually turn to ashes.

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 12/11/2018 1:00:00 PM

Mournful, beautifully stated...

Chris Green

Date: 12/11/2018 7:47:00 AM

Certainly deep Harry and indeed, life is just like this when the years start to add up. Nicely done.

Sand Blown

Date: 12/11/2018 7:18:00 AM

a beautiful buddhist verse reads: what matters most is- how well did you live...how well did you love...how well did you learn to let go......(covers most everything for me : )

Vijay Pandit

Date: 12/11/2018 7:05:00 AM

This is deep and powerful, Harry. Well written reflection on life.

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 12/11/2018 6:49:00 AM

Quite thought-provoking, Harry. That's a very clever analogy in the last few lines. Bravo! Hugs, Carolyn (Thanks for the note -- enjoyed learning the history. It's lovely there!)