ASHES

ASHES   A chill and unexpected breeze veers, nears the solitary figure disturbs the embers. The fire's red eye returns his stare.   Beside him, the cup: another empty space among the many waiting to be filled.   Clouds drift.   The digits on the watch face march on with mindless dignity. Leaves tremble: only he is motionless, inactive.   Ah! but who will come to stir the ashes? And who will fill the vessel's void?   Sorrows sweet and sour shudder in the shadows of his eyes. The eyes of the fire offer a dull glare but give no answer.