Abandoned.
Ashes rain, Embers glow, Flames dance: Broken. Burned. Joints rust, Bones break, Muscles snap: Fallen. Failed. Dust gathers, Webs form, Mold thrives: Avoided. Abandoned.
Nothing here is explained, and that makes it hit harder. The poem moves through three short stages, and each one ends with a pair of blunt, one-word verdicts. First there is fire: ashes, embers, flames. Then the body gives out, with rusted joints, broken bones and snapping muscles.
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