A Watched Fire

You lit a fire,

Though the night is closing fast

And I will not hold myself awake

To watch the flames burn down.

These flames dancing, laughing,

Desperate. Their tongues shoot

Up to lick the heavens.

They pop and crackle in a whispered prayer:

“Sleep now,” they croon,

“But let us live

Until we die.”

But the smoke cannot hide its

Warning tickle. And my eyes—

Pleased as they may be—

Would rather droop

And dream than smile and burn.

The fire hisses, just as if I had poured water on a cat.

Then poor kitty Flame flickers and strains

And gives up the smoke.