Ember

October 6, 2023January 27, 2024 / Jeff Cann

A muted orange glow emanates from the core. The base, black as the night that envelops it, sits sentry, a stoic guard devouring excess light. No sound escapes save an occasional hiss, an infrequent pop. Insects swirl and dive, attacking the heart and the people surrounding it. Some bite, some buzz, some are simply deranged by the scene. One is sacrificed, blindly, indiscriminately, causing a momentary surge, a spark of energy, and then a return to peace. Beyond bugs, it consumes thoughts, mesmerizing those who come within its range, leaving them silent, pensive, reminiscent or maybe depressed. The warmth is a ruse. Comforting, but the lure places the unaware at risk. A siren song beckons the reckless and immature. Their reward is pain.