Life of Fire

Flames die, embers sputter,
Wisp of smoke spirals up
To show some energy's left.
From ash, warmth still flows
Seeking rekindle, a rebirth.
Fire life starts, finishes weak.

Life's fire, sperm mating egg.
All cells rushing to multiply
In an orderly frenzy, a twenty
Year, or so, drawn out sojourn.
Continued frenzy climbing the
Ladder in twenty year bites.

Then the slowing down process :
Maladies, afflictions, disease
Captures a body strong, making it
Weak, infirmities seek surrender.
Flames die out, embers cool,
Slips slowly toward oblivion.

Ronald C. Downie