Fire

From the dawn I am kindled by passion,
   whirling, swirling, curling into tongues of Fire,
   burning, churning, yearning for satisfaction,
   blaming, flaming, claiming my soul
   until I am consumed.
   
Many fuels spark that Fire,
   unquenchable by any human effort.
   
Paper ignites, bursting spontaneous and hot:
   So Writing devours me, thoughts demand expression,
   compelling, swelling, telling all secrets.
   
Wood embraces the Fire in her heart:  
   As melodies engulf me, flowing from my fingers,
   glowing, growing, sowing rhythms of my spirit.
   
Coal is coaxed to burn, birthing hot embers:
   Computer design unfolds transcendent fascination,
   trying, buying, underlying all of my world.
   
Gasoline spits uninvited destruction:
   Anathemas enrage me, poisoning people, places--and me,
   soaring, roaring, boring black holes of damnation.
   
Candles must be lit, firm towers until
   a flame melts and shapes the wax:
   Relationships ensnare me,
   flinging, clinging, bringing love in all its wily forms.
   
Each Fuel demands more;
   Time is too short to attend,
   and so the days I spend
   hoping, moping, groping for my place.
   
Death-blanket hovers, covers, smothers the Fire
   until it is no more.
   
--9/10/98