Sparks
These sparks that the flames
Toss up in the sky
To dance with the stars
Aflame in our eyes
Burning and searing
Aloft on their own
Burning and soaring
As never before
Have little resistance
Once up in the air
They fly on the currents
That wave in the air
They move with the breezes
Which fan them along
Up, up and away
As we follow along
Each spark has a lifeline
It follows with zest
Some quickly descend
Some put to the test
The magnetic pull
Of gravity’s hold
(These are the bigger
The brazen, the bold)
They reach for the zenith
A pinnacle far
Far up and away
As if they’re a star
To hold us enthralled
With their sizzling flight
They strive for the stars
While we gaze in the night
While straight to the heavens
It seems they will go
They still have a limit
(As everyone knows)
Their flame soon burns out
They sputter and fade
Their ascent is stopped
Their climb it is stayed –
No matter how strong
Or how fierce they may burn
Each spark hits a point
And then it returns
A little chagrined
At the course that it flamed
A little bit singed
Marred now – and changed
Copyright © John Oldham | Year Posted 2023
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