Til' Death

No Rene, I don't think it's'trite' - perhaps not exceptionally original, but then I can't write this kind of stuff at all, so please disregard my comments :>

Nevertheless, I'm not convinced you need that concluding line - for me, it detracts from the antithesis preceding it.
Also, I'd consider swapping the first and third sections - the 'ashes' scenario would seem to be a more 'natural' culmination of a progression in this Q & A series?

Finally, reams of empathy