Acquiesce

PEAR talks of moments and memories.

We acquiesce as ember's cool
to understudy duties,
dousing fame
by staying in the wings
that do not fly,
and stoking fire in the pit
that cannot burn,
by blowing smoke ---

provoking tears
as time itself burns fast and free.

We hope those we nurture
find the spotlight’s shine,
with heat that’s radiant.
We can conduct with true conviction
an orchestra comprised of plans and schemes
percussive, brass, or loosely strung
to authorize free play between
the ones who tread the boards
and all the spectacle.

The rigging in the rafters
Holds its course, and blocks the scene
Behind the arch so voyeurs cannot see.
The traps remain, but even these
Are scripted in the grandest theme of things.

But let’s be honest,
This began with fire
And shall end in flame.
The only doubt
Is whether dust
To dust will smolder on?
Or bellow to the last ding-dong of time.

Will all of us be there to see the curtain fall?