soot behind my ears.

another drag, another cough
my lungs still haven't learned.
another flick, another spark
that hits the grass & starts to burn.

& as i watch the flames rise higher
can't help wondering what's in store
a painful death if i leap in
a painful life if i ignore.

& so i stand there, lost in thought
as satan's henchmen lick the walls.
beads of sweat form on my forehead
& i see my star begin to fall.

i watch as it explodes on impact
hear the earth-shattering roar
that brings me back to life
& makes me tremble to the core.

the flames still grow with malice
& sneer at me through smoke.
the realization comes to me
that my suffocation they provoke.

start feeling weak & wispy
as my mind is being taken
but still i hear my heart beat
though it's suddenly resumed its aching.

so maybe this is better
drifting high above the glow
then abruptly rain is pouring
& i'm dragged back down below.

then faintly heard is yelling
& i feel some warm embrace.
between stages of consciousness
raindrops come & cool my face.



still today i smell the putrid fumes
& there's still soot behind my ears
still i breathe in poisoned air
but there's still iodine in my tears.

another drag, another cough
my lungs still haven't learned.
another flick, another spark
i stomp it out before it burns.