Eulogy of the Flame

At the last the candle spoke As the flame shuddered, died Its tale was a sad one As all are when one dies It spoke of early years Of the reclusive and secure Of fantasies of valor and pride, Of foolish hopes, and happy skies It told of teenage years, Which for it were sure not drear Of games played in circles, Of fuck, tag, and lash “Certainty and love unmatched!” The flame spoke of mild times, Middle aged, middle lives Marriage and kids Work and money The whole world, Never feeling, Never funny Alas, alas there came the later years With all the world steeped in gray The flame grew weary, Uncaring for the night and day At his death, The flame had only one regret, (A one, A One, infinity!) In all his time, He new not once, More than his meager eyes …………………………… The dead do not requiem, Nor need they to repine For all is clear Now in their eyes