At nightfall
The flames embraced him
Like a slender, long-haired goddess.

Strong and determined,
Standing tall as six people
Or more, surveying his domain...

Overwhelmed and ashen now,
Blackened, spent, skeletal -
The fiery waltzing ecstasy extinguished -

A ghost of outline left where
Proud delineations landmarked us.
Winter has arrived.
(C.L.)