The Boy With The Flaming Hands

The Boy With The

Flaming Hands

You can hardly see his face

behind the smoke and ashes.

It’s why they identify him

by all the carnage he causes,

the destruction in his wake

and the scent of seared flesh.

 

You can barely hear his voice

above the sound of crackling.

Though he hardly speaks anymore,

mostly screams in anguish.

“I didn’t mean to burn them to dust!

I just wanted to hold her hand.”

Or

“I just wanted to pick a rose.”

and a million more excuses

that we don’t want to hear.

So now he keeps his hands in his pockets

behind his back if he’s alone.

 

And the fire burned to his heart

through the sulphur in his veins.

And the heart itself burned out

and became hollow and nought but ash.

An empty heart longing to be filled,

so that every heartbeat

echoes in his frame.

 

We barely see him these days,

that burning hapless soul.

Maybe he’s gone for good.

But we don’t miss him

 not in the least,

for all our pride is made of wood.

 

Wherever he is now,

he’s waiting for a rainfall

to douse and sooth the burning,

to wash away his scowl .

Yet he knows about the numbness

that comes when sorrows pass

and that he’ll set his hands ablaze

for any feeling that would last.

Reviews

[Frieda P]

Well you don't show up that often but when you do, you stir it up, fine tune it and slam me over the head with it! Holy smokes, this is outstanding Deron....the pathos and angst is burning a hole right through this page. That last stanza is killer, the entire piece of work is, you've outdone yourself! Extremely affecting....................going on the shelf toot sweet!

100/100 hands and hearts ablaze

[Deron Alexis]

lol thanks been a bit busy, exams are in June lol i'm actually studying (can't believe it) but you'll be seeing more of me

[Frieda P]

Apparently studying does your poetry a service, this is magnifico!

[Deron Alexis]

learning from the best ...and i don't mean my English teachers this time ;)

[Frieda P]

Life/love will do that to ya....yep ;-)

[Briana O'Connor]

Such intensity and power behind your words. Love this thrilling tale. Well penned.

[Deron Alexis]

thanks i really appreciate the read