R A Ruadh

What’s at stake

how long does it take

for a heart to burn

not with love or devotion

nor passion undying

how long does it take

for a heart to burn

if it did not wish to

turn to ashes among embers

how long does it take

for a heart to burn

is it different between

a wildfire or a crematorium

how long does it take

for a heart to burn

to be alive enough

to resist its own death

how long does it take

for a heart to burn

when flames become

the only option

how long does it take

for a heart to burn

Fire and ice

If I am coming into

my winter years

how is it that

I feel the sun more

than before

Perhaps my naked limbs

freed of leaves and fruit

sparkling with snow and ice

are dying and aching

to reach those last warm rays

On the other hand

it could be that I am

at last able to reach high enough

to touch the sky

calling bolts of lightening

inviting in a blaze of glory