An Ode To Fire

By Red Morse

Flickering mess of light,
Swaying sharp with poise,
Like a ballerina pirouetting through thorns. You bite the hands of those
Who take hold of you;
With bitter passion.
I wish to dance with you,
Entwine you close,
Your hot breath leaves an acrid stench.
Sinking into my lungs
Charring the roof of my mouth.
A striking grin
Melting the candle
From both ends.
You
Something so sublime
Yet so visceral.
From afar I can see vibrance
A golden face, sunlit smile,
Never to frown; Never happy.
If one were to ever lurk forward,
The ash would cut their skin,
Stinging flesh.
Yet I can’t help it at times,
To bring you close,
Cup your light in the palm of my hand,
Feel my skin ablaze.
Pungent gasoline
Loitering in my senses.
I am just a lizard
Basking in the heat of your vanity,
Malevolence burns from the barrel of your eyes. I am infatuated with your toxicity,
How you light every cigarette.
Every lover’s candle.
Every bonfire.
Every soul.
All within an inch of destruction,
Bounded by metal,
If only you burned free

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