Feeding the Flames

Flickering steadily

With the tempo of a tiger pacing in its cage

Every fire seeks escape

Hates confinement. 

The tiniest flame

Dancing on the tip of a candle or match

Possesses an insatiable appetite.

Orange megalomaniac.

Wants to burn big and blue

Furtively spits sparks

Hoping to find an ally

In a suicidal piece of paper

Wad of cloth

Or better yet, spot of grease.

So if you must, then you must.

But be very careful

When feeding the flames.

Published in The Midweek Wire (of Hatboro) on July 8, 2015.