Arms open wide

under the hum

of burning stars, 

Breezes nose

My silhouette

For your scent

I fill my lungs with air

Steel my muscles

Wind rumbles

To a raging roar

Flames bullet 

From the sky,

Tiny fireballs 

Spearing my flesh

Tattered dress flaying 

My screaming wounds

I close my eyes,

Unable to feel your touch

Unable to hear your voice

But our vows remain,

Etched as ever

The earth knows

I know

You know

There’s a gust in the world

That has our combined breath

It’s tasted our kisses

Felt our warmth

Heard our whispers

Knows our names

I exhale,

Look into the fires,

Tiny beads 

Of golden glory

Honor their strength

With my own,

Chest swollen,

For I am love,

Even alone,

And I pour it into the wind

As wholly as I poured it 

Into you 

Quiet drapes around me

In raw mourning 

Forcing the flames back

To their homes 

In the black silk

The breeze softens

Warm, humid,

It laps at my skin,

Caresses my face

Forgives my solitude

And folds me 

Into the whispering skirts

Of its embrace