Potawatomi
Keeper Of The Flame
You roll in my ashes
trying to rekindle the flame
With hot and cold flashes
set your site and take aim
Striking the matches
while throwing ice on the fire
Locking the latches
cinders avoiding the briar
The heat slowly fading
the coldness taking over
The numbness sets in
as the frost bites the clover
The embers within
gasp for another breath of life
The cinders wearing thin
as the flint strikes the knife
Still burns slow and steady
keeping the new ashes, hotter
Residue fanned and ready
like the pot needs a potter
Awaiting the day
it burns brightly again
Awakening the flame
stimulating the cinder within
Like a phoenix arising
bold and hot from the fight
Renewed and baptized in
The Pottawatomi's light
**
A/N
Who are the keepers of the fire?
This is what the Potawatomi tribe call themselves. In fact, the word “Potawatomi” means “keepers of the fire.”Jul 28, 2021
About the Creator
Kelli Sheckler-Amsden
Telling stories my heart needs to tell <3 life is a journey, not a competition
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Comments (9)
Congratulations on your top story, Kelli, and for teaching me something new!💜
Wow! Surreal with great imagery. Loved the lesson at the end as well that ties it all together. Congrats, Kelli!
Congrats on Top Story! The fire imagery throughout this is really striking, and I love how you weave in the push and pull of hot and cold. That phoenix ending with the Potawatomi reference is a beautiful way to tie it all together, connecting personal renewal to that powerful cultural metaphor. Really well done!
Your use of elemental metaphors and rhythm gives the piece a natural, almost ceremonial flow. The phoenix-like imagery at the close leaves a lasting impression of hope and strength.
Love the verbal imagery on this one. You chose the perfect unsplash image to match it too.
This is so intriguing and lusciously written
I agree with Jay. Is this person for real? I bet you are the keeper of the flame in your house. Good job.
hi-ki - Do you have your side table note pads on speed dial? I actually took a speed reading course ‘Evelyn Wood’ but still can’t keep up with you! You should teach a creative writing class! UR Terrific! Jk.in.l.a.
I need to know more! 🔥