All flames flame out in the end.
The ember that once was fanned,
Flamed up insistent and wild,
Burning fuel so deftly piled,
Leaping, dancing– what a sight!
Warming and cheering with light.
But now it fades, the fuel burned,
And what remains must be turned;
The darkened coals need a prod–
A stir with an iron rod.
Once again the flame revives,
But fuel spent, it short survives.
In ignominy it dies;
Even smoke no longer flies.
Nothing but gray dust is left,
The gold gone, its place bereft.
All flames flame out in the end:
It’s a law that does not bend.
Remember, the Flame of Flames,
In darkness flamed out self-same.
But He, no ignis fatuus,
Fanned Himself to full brightness;
Ignited, dark death defeats,
So draw closer to His heat.
All flames flame out in the end,
But lone sparks may still ascend.
– Teri Ong –
