Moths, Flame

 

At dawn beneath the light

moths come

to the smoldering ruins

searching the ashes

for loved ones

 

Ash drifts into the air

frail and hopeless

like stark remains

of dried ghosts   

 

When the ashes land

they do not break but

vanish in poofs  

 

like powdered birds

stomped on

by the wind’s foot

==================================

from my unpublished manuscript: inheritance

first published in New Mexico Review

Author's Note

I was sitting at a late-night campfire watching moths
igniting into flames, and wondering ...

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this reminds me of a video that i showed my lit classes about emily dickinson. They talked of her love life which was mostly just fantasies about poets she admired and maybe wished to be with...and then a poem of hers called "Wild Nights" and as the poem was read by Jane Alexander we saw a moth in a light chasing the flame.
dried ghosts and the phoenix that does not rise.
i have loved ones who ended up ashes...a couple who asked to be cremated and a best friend who died in a fire...i relate to this in several ways.
awfully good poem.
j.

[DAH]

Thank you, jacob, for these fine comparisons.
I'm happy that it resonates.

Cheers,
DAH

[Cherrie]

This is by far my favorite piece of yours so far.
Powerful, delicate and deeply reflective.

[DAH]

Thank you, Cherrie.
I'm glad to hear that it resonates.

Cheers,
DAH

[nazia]

This is the first time, I am reading about a moth and ash together. Usually its moth and fire. Its like, we never let go off the loved ones even when they are gone forever.
A very fresh perspective of the relationship :)

[DAH]

Thank you, nazia, for this fine perspective.

Peace to you,
DAH

[Robert Trakofler]

like many a dashed dream burned in the cinders of consternation the lure of the flame of losses piling up ethereal debris of decay bolstering the beacons light yet again

[DAH]

Yes, Robert, to the hot catharsis of moths.

Thank you for your visit!

Cheers,
DAH

[Chris Shaw]

Moths are so attracted to light but I have never heard of them acting in this way before. It was quite disturbing to think of them being so attracted to danger and perishing in this way, but then it reminded me of human behaviour. There are some in our species who do the same. Incredible imagery DAH in this wonderful poem. Your choice of language perfect for this piece. We'll done.

Chris

[DAH]

Apparently, for the moths, this is their "break on through to the other side" expression.
read moreApparently, for the moths, this is their "break on through to the other side" expression.

I'm honored, Christine, not only by your words but by your visit.

Cheers,
DAH

[Lorry]

The last line is brilliant. It says to me that these kamikaze goth butterflies have been dealt a bum deal by old Ma Nature and its just either a cruel twist, to be a nocturne attracted to the dangers of light, or a serious glitch in their programming. (just in case we are in the matrix)
Perhaps if it starts happening to humans, we'll begin to take it seriously and rebrand it icarus syndrome.
Would have loved to see this, for curiosity of course, but your words took us there anyway. 😀

[DAH]

Thank you, Lorry, and it's a fascinating sight. Yes, imagine humans running into the flame: Enlightenment!

Peace and Light,
DAH

[Ted Kniffen]

Ashes, ashes, we all fall down. Moths are drawn to flames...more for the light than the heat...and flames cleanse like plague fires...or destroy like crematoria...pale grey ash rising on the air...landing with that little poof like 'powdered birds' with no hint the ash was once human.
A stirring poem, DAH. Well done.

[DAH]

Love your perspective on this one, Ted.

Thank you!
DAH

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Such a good poem to read. At a concrete level it was so descriptive of how moths behave and in allegory I saw someone thinking about the wreckage of their own life.

[DAH]

Thank you, John, and yes, your thinking may be right.

Cheers,
DAH