Snow Covered Ashes

...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 ~ 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

a vulnerable trance.

feeling a heart grow 
cold and dormant

as the changing season,

after such sublime awakenings ~

…eerie disappointment

…an unnatural sadness accompanies

the icy darkness of love's 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

Dave Matthews Band ~ If Only ~ Hollywood Bowl