Last Steps
Last Steps
The last steps like the first steps,
Cautious and faltering,
Seeking for guidance and
Aiming for home.
The light that was carried and
Molded and shared
Is dimming and fading
With each turn of the stairs.
The breathing is laboured
The heartbeat unsure
But the gift is still carried
And presented, unpure.
The last light like the first light,
Blazing and beckoning,
Retrieving the flame and
The gift that was given.
Transparent hands hold it aloft,
Was I worthy? Did I shine? Did I do enough?
The flicker of life returns to its’ core,
Unseeing, unknowing, undead.
I wrote this piece in response to the above picture. It was this week’s prompts on What do you see?
Many thanks to Helene for her great inspiration and support, it is much appreciated.
And also a big Thank You to everyone who reads these poems, it means a lot to me.
Some Other Poems:
12 Comments
Kelley Farrell
This is lovely! I really like how you connect beginning and ending (of life I’m thinking but maybe just my interpretation?)
admin
Thank you so much for commenting, Kelley, I really appreciate it. And yes, your interpretation is exactly what I was trying to get across in the poem so I’m thrilled with your response!
Jordis Fasheh
Lovely Bernie!
admin
Thank you, Jordis, I really appreciate your feedback and I’m delighted you like this!
Helene Vaillant
Your words captured the essence of letting go this life while moving into eternal life. This is the imagery I got. Fantastic poem Bernie. Thank you so much for an inspiring read.
admin
Thank you so much, Helene, you are very insightful. Yes, the light we carry throughout our lives must someday return to its’ beginning. We can only hope that we have been worthy enough to have carried it.
Mich
The last step is indeed.as significant as the first one. Wonderful take on tha prompt Bernie
admin
Thanks a million, Mich…I am really pleased that you like this. I’ve always been interested in the circle of life, it’s almost like we end up back where we started.
Gina
such good reflections here, just before the end we see some of our beginnings, in a moment so much is revealed, you draw the guilt card so eloquently, my conscience was pricked.
admin
Thank you so much, Gina. The guilt thing is probably the result of the strict Irish educational system that prevailed in the past! Thankfully, things are very different here now. Delighted you enjoyed the poem.
Irma
What a lovely metaphor you created! The last step is as important as the first. And the light of our life…hopefully it shines as brightly when we give it back as when we first received it. Beautiful write!
admin
Thank you, Irma, I’m glad you liked the metaphor. It was the first thing that struck me when I looked at the prompt image. Really appreciate your feedback!