General Poetry posted April 3, 2024

Chapters:

Prologue -1- 2...

Exceptional

Fire Personified

A chapter in the book Silent Voices

I Will Burn

by Jessica Wheeler

I am destruction. The fervor of my heated temper wreaks havoc upon ignition. I was sparked and left ablaze to drift without guidance. All I know is to burn. If you start me, I will stop you. I forsake the very Earth that feeds me, devouring its offerings. I scatter my pollution into the air that gives me life Betraying my generous kin; The reason I sustain. If you trust me, I will fail you. I reach the peak of heat to call you from its threshold, with a promise of intensity in my seductive glow. My tumultuous flames all but whisper in your ear, as if I long to be put out. If you want me, I will have you. Enticed by my ability to purify, you will want to tame me. But I will suffocate if confined. And my fury will spread with each attempt to restrain. Playing with me, will provoke retaliation. If you touch me, I will hurt you.   Though sincere are my moments of warmth.  The fireplace on cold, winter nights. The honest crackle of a campfire.  A warm, seared meal and its candlelit ambiance.   But, imbalanced are my efforts, told in the ash that trails behind me.   I will not cease to consume  all that lies in my path. Melting metal and flesh, filling chimneys and lungs. In my solitary quest for more.   If you get too close, I will burn you.

Recognized