Ash

You know the lull of the fire well

When the smoke in your eyes

Only produces a tear or two;

You remain unmoved and motionless

Until that time when the coals

And the embers flirt with the wind;

And you look around at the light

Of the fire dancing in the treetops,

As if gesticulating for you to come,

To enter the eternal gaze of the forest,

Its darkness merely an act of magic

As you disappear into its heart.

　

I ventured out to find more firewood .

The owl spoke from his wooden cathedral

Proclaiming a moment which was his messiah.

He beckoned and entreated me

As though I might ignite his home with a touch.

He spread his burly wings and motioned for me

To follow and guided me to a timberland meadow.

The heavens blazed with starlight.

The owl glided to the top of an oak calling, “ARSON.”

I bowed to the earth and became ash