Ann-Marie Spittle

FLAMES OF PRIDE

I stood yesterday
Among the ashes of my life
That once was fire

I stoked the coal of wealth
But failed to keep it fed
I laid the tinder
Lit the paper
Bit failed to provide
A source of endless fuel

I built again
Wooden houses on the sand
They burned more brightly
Gorged by the oil of my pride
Their flame licked the heavens
And they answered with tears
That steamed and put out the fire
Of my stupidity
But I stand today
And build my house of bricks
No wolf comes to my door
For even they get bored
With the kicking
Once you’re down
They leave you alone

But I have played possum
And showed the signs of defeat
To make them leave
While hidden I make my store
Ready for famine days
The youth who fiddled
While her Rome burned
Has found another place to live
And now the architects
And stone masons of yore
Fill my mind with truth
And I no longer flame
But smoulder quietly