fire

"Three moves equals one fire."
- my uncle today, quoting his father, on the inevitable shedding of possessions (by choice and/or by necessity) in the nomadic life/journey

A FIRE, A FIRE
YOU CAN ONLY TAKE WHAT YOU CAN CARRY
- Snow Patrol, "If There's A Rocket Tie Me To It"
(incredible song on the aftermath of a relationship)


This is not fire season now
even desert rests a while
in turquoise air and frozen dream
time yet for the tentative green
to give in to summer's assertion
that fire over earth carries life here

This is not a time to burn
though mind still ever seeks new fuels
skin grows back as charred wounds cool
soul staggers out with what precious salvage it can bear

If three moves equals a fire
then I have traded home for desire
and burned my own house down
five times in ten years' journey

my house now has no fire place
no bright incendiary space
only clean air, water, solid floors
I burn too hot and bright
to stay for long
indoors