---

This pen

the cruelest blade

the power of

merciless words to endear

with clinched fist clinched teeth

and burning words

I take my leave

Embers

memories

charred remnants

of all that we had

the demise of

all we were

Wisdom

of futile years

affinity ceasing its wintering of me

a final look

one last glance

and burning words I take my leave

Embers

memories

charred remnants

of all that we had

the demise of

all we were