Snow Covered Ashes

…from a chapter of Whispering Moon Beams

a poem by Harlon Rivers

Snow Covered Ashes

the first dusting of snow

blankets the fall leaves

carpeting the Oak

and Maple grove floor.

a distinct vanguard

paints the imminent winter solstice.

daylight wanes…

now measured by moments

and melted candle wax

tick tock ~ tick tock
is heard in the silence ~

passing time cannot be stopped

only the diminishing firewood pile

reminds that the passing season

of darkness is measured

by the ashes left behind

of what once was recognizable…

the warmth of the crackling fire,

the flickering glow hypnotizes

into a vulnerable trance.

fighting back the feeling
of a heart growing
cold and dormant

as the changing season

after such sublime awakenings ~

…eerie disappointment

…an unnatural sadness accompanies

the icy darkness
of loves fading light.

as seasons change to winter.

a life without love

is a life without hope

vanishing ever so slowly

like the snow covered

fallen and decomposing leaves

veiled by the imminent winter solstice…

Harlon Rivers…December 16th, 2012