Alive and on Fire

Chest opens—

the first signal,

an exchange,

carbon released.

Prearranged,

this spiraled interplay,

rekindled by the flame,

alveoli embrace.

Bones sewn with sinew,

muscles woven,

crafted for motion—

slowed…to notice.

In the atoms of your eyes,

golden light catches—

specks of dust,

moments of time suspended.

Yet the heart demands—

commotion, momentum,

onward to ashes.

Life's incinerating.

White-hot heat

sets the mortar.

Fire—

fire—

forge.

Hunger…instant aliveness,

purpose ignited,

seeking that next

breath.

(…burn).