A scratch
Hiss
Burst of flame
Thorns twist in my ribs,
The wounds like an old friend
As I lower the match to the blackened wick
Fire jumps to the stiff braid
Blazing in tandem
Until I pull back
I blow,
Extinguishing the match,
Surrendering to isolation
The candlelight burns on
Crackles and sways
Wax weeping, eroding
Shadows flicker
across my skin
Over the empty room
Your ghost whispers in echoes,
Ricocheting in every crevice
Of the hollowed night
Tears scorch my eyes,
Blur the flame before me
Stoke the embers
Of fallen pleas
Promises
And transcendence
Inhaling, I choke
On smoke and truth
Bite my lip
I lean back,
A twisted heap of hope,
And wait
Until the flame burns out.