she keeps on burning.

in the hollow of the heart
breaks open a fire
born from grief and anger

and heavens be blessed
that we burn no one but ourselves
with that fire

the fire breathes
the fire lives
the fire’s alive and alone
because who is friends
with one who only burns

but her warmth comforts

they forget the fire that burns
warms those who show her kindness
but now she is the one who burns
and must be avoided

but when winter comes
they’ll flock back to her,
pretending they didn’t abandon her in the cold
to feed herself

and so she kept on burning
and the rumors kept on growing
and the monster you created
will be the safe haven you pray for
when that which is stronger and more terrible
demands your life

and she will allow it
she is warm by nature
she will always allow it
because she cannot tell the difference
between a distant friend
and a close enemy.