[pct-l] The Last Campfire

[JED94568@aol.com (JED94568@aol.com)]

            THE LAST CAMPFIRE

I SIT ALONE AT THE CAMPFIRE THAT MOMENTS
AGO WARMED THE FACES OF MY FRIENDS.

AS I LOOK AROUND AT THE EMPTY PLACES,
I RECALL THE LIFETIME OF STORIES THAT
WERE SHARED.

THE LAUGHTER STILL SOUNDS IN THE WIND
AND ON THE FLOWING WATER.

THE FEELING IS EERIE FOR I DON'T KNOW
IF I AM THE LAST CAMPER OR THE FIRST ONE
GONE.

THE FIRE FADES AND I TOSS ON MORE STICKS
TO BLAZE ANEW - IT NOW FLICKERS TO
GLOWING COALS.

THE DARKNESS OVERCOMES THE CAMPFIRES
OF OUR LIVES AND WE SEE IT FADE ALONE,
BUT I AM CONTENT WITH MY LIFE AND DO NOT
FEAR THE LAST FLAME.

I HOLD IT IN MY HEART.



Ed Carlson, July 1995

Would I deny this 40 year experience to my grandchild?
For those who want to, permission is given to reprint "The Last Campfire".