By Gala
Date: 6 July 2000

non compus mentus

Oh---humans are the only creatures
who fail to learn
who do the same thing
over and over
and always seemed shocked
when the outcome is the same.
We play with fire
juggle flame
smoke near gasoline
and shriek
when we are burned
bone deep
and aching.
The blisters
barely formed
when we reach for candle
or torch
and dare it to sear us anew.
We reach for aloe, balms and ointments
only to allow us
to burn again.
Love is ever the flame,
and we are tinder,
but never the fuel.
I am seared
taken by heat
molded like soft wax
and it is better
then the absolute zero
of alone.

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