Ashes
So often are you as a blazing torch,
With flakes of burning hemp falling about you;
Flaming, you know not if the flames freedom bring or death;
Consuming all that you most cherish;
If only ashes will be left and want,
Chaos and tempest shall engulf . . .
Or will the ashes hold the glory of a starlike diamond,
The morning star of everlasting triumph.
Cyprian Kamil Norwid
