Pain and Ashes

Oh, speak to me of love, said Pain, now come Draw up a chair and look me in the eye Her limbs move slow, by sorrow frozen, numb All nerve and sinew wracked by silent cry Sit down, said Pain, the fire is hot and bright And we must talk, for you have much to say Not now, she begged, have mercy, not this night Please let me speak of love another day She feels the fire’s scorch upon her face As devastation sears and burns within We must speak now, said Pain, there is no place Nor corner left to hide in; so begin… She sits in silence as the fire flashes Till morning finds her, sat with Pain, and ashes by Gail