first flame

in the miasma of blunt
deathly spines, that litter a perimeter.
ritualistic; 
                in nature.

freshly sparked kindling, potent
to melt wax, to burn oil
coax odor in ripe, earthy fragrant of desire.

the first flame descends,
with each strut

███████  dry,  ██████  eager  ██ 
branches  ██████████  wilt.

the first flame reaches its end
but its thick incense is left 
twirling against wind

spinning a promise;
      "never let the fetid return"



  goodbye, dear flame
  who carried me in attrition