I’m breathing this fire that consumes me1
it rots my bones and melts me2
its flames spread through my brain and confuses me3
I can’t help breathing what intoxicates me 4
Because I can’t stop what I’m tossed into5
I can’t choose the pedigree of family of community6
But I can hold my breath and watch its flames dance around me7
Tempting my fingers to stroke its violence and insecurities 8
Wanting me to breathe in its supposed hospitality 9
The flames twist through my arteries coiling around my veins10
Compressing me choking me11
I can’t breathe out the fire that came in12
Hear me scream words that burst into flame13
Feel tears that sizzle down my cheeks14
Watch me jump into a pool of cool water15
and evaporate into the sky 16
Fire letting go of its grip on my skin17
Fire sprinkling droplets of snow18
kissing the earth’s dirty cheek. 19
