The Dust Beneath the Fire

The dust beneath the fire
remembers the forest
as I recall
my youth so twisted
dark and capricious
before love burnt
through the shadows
before my soul sickened
and was consumed
searing withered
I screamed for the sea
to swell and soothe my pain,
but the tide refused
to rise in flood 
against the flame,
for it had not forgotten 
the misery I cast 
into its depths,
or the malice whispered
of delicate isolation 
in its presence
and so compelled to endure
my fever
I writhed 
as a beast, indecent
until with fervor reduced
to cool ash 
I lay at rest
and new life began
to rise through the scorched earth
to feel the breeze
and in its folly
crave the warmth of intimacy
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Brown Avatar
June 7, 2010 at 4:46 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved win in John's contest Christopher. Love, Carol
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
June 7, 2010 at 1:58 AM
Congratulations Christopher on your placement in the Gauntlet Contest. Good writing! Lovingly, Dane Ann
Sweetheart Avatar
June 6, 2010 at 7:10 AM
Congrats Christopher on your winning poem in John's contest with this wonderful write .. enjoy the success of victory .. with luv from the "Sweetheart"
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