Encore of Embers

On a starry evening out under the sky

While the cicada sang in the woods nearby

The patio-fireplace kindlings caught fire--

Crackling in rhythm with that seventh-year choir.

The flames peeked round kindling--then upward they flew

Snatching hold of each other as merging they grew

To nibble kindling--then to rest, swallow and chew

On logs, feathering bright heat-energy hues.

Flames cast their soft lights--and an oft’ spark-swarm, too,
Like sparklers that sprinkled and bathed the night view.
Flames embraced logs until, sleepily, they fell
While the bequeathed Embers encored a last spell.

Joan Binkley 5/24/08

Joan Binkley

5/24/08

Copyright 2008 by Joan Binkley