ALONE BY THE FIRE

Alone I sat, cold by the fire

Nothing left in my soul, not even desire

A soul I had not seen in ages and ages

Not a man, nor a child, nor a witch, nor sages

The winds were cold, the air like a knife

I shifted closer to the fire, desperate for my life

Then, at last, hands rested on my shoulders

I did not have to turn to see their owner, 

The hands were like ice, with the weight of boulders

“Is it time?” I asked, alone and afraid

The figure spoke not a word, just clinched tighter its grip

I knew it was death - into its hands I would slip

I arose, giving one last look at the fire

Away I walked, side-by-side with death,

Nothing left in my soul… not even desire

Reviews

[sonnie ibadah]

"I arose, giving one last look at the fire
Away I walked, side-by-side with death,
Nothing left in my soul… not even desire"
The hopelessness and sadness in this is very thought-provoking, well written!

[Samuel Dickens]

Very strong writing, here. I like it. Perhaps the fire symbolized life? This is not the way most of us would want to go, I'm sure. Much better to be outside one's happy little home, raking leaves on a crisp Fall day when the icy grip comes.

[Steven Sallie]

Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm really glad you enjoyed it. I suffer from depression and wrote this to reflect my feelings of how alone someone can feel even when surrounded by warmth. That being said, I love that people can get their own meaning out of things. I think good writing should do that.