Code Violation

Was a flame inside a candle
That I mistook for warm
A slow dance with a lover
To hold me from the storm
A solitary flame
Gently swaying in the night
A candle in the darkness
That I mistook for light

The Fire Marshal Safety Code
Precautions that I take
Controlled burn on this boundary
Is just a fire break

Flame in a forest rages
Burns a tragic swath
Torching us unfortunates
Who fall before her path
I mistook for warmth and light
A dark flame in a sash
The woods smolder in cinders
The house reduced to ash

The Fire Marshal Safety Code
Precautions that I take
Controlled burn on this boundary
Is just a fire break

She extinguishes so easily
Code violation handled
A solitary flame swaying
In a solitary candle
Eyes flicker, spark and flare
A ballerina's love untold
Don't bother trying to take her
She's far too cold to hold

The Fire Marshal Safety Code
Precautions I must take
Controlled burn on this boundary
Is just a fire break

 © John Kennan 2-3-17