Ember

[…the Saxon em·bren, or ymb·ryne, a circle, circuit or revolution…]

Photo by Gleb Lukomets; image contributed to the Creative Commons.

To the disinterested,
or uniformed,
eye —
the dark coals
form a callous level
of depleted remains.

Energy expended.
A reaction completed.

But, the knowing tender —
training their gaze
beyond the dormant bed —
sees the potential it harbors.

Life preserved,
protected,
patient —
awaiting a careful breath.