Flame

The aftermath of old desire
The bunt out flames resigned
And clouds of ash left from the fire
Swelled and swayed in kind

When all the fragments rested still
Sprinkled all ‘round dry dust
A bone-dry, tepid winter chill
Swept up with one loud gust

The rubble landed on its paws
Perched itself on my heart
Dug in so deep with crafty claws
It ripped my bones apart

Skin bruised like devil’s tongue
Dyed sixty six shades of blue
Dented, welted, and over strung
I bound the rest with glue

My heart arose to tick again,
Strummed a lone string awake
To find a new flame to wane
And another dawn to break

Helena Malheur © 2004