Fireboy

rock,
i’ve spent years
trying to talk to you.

rain,
it’s been a while
since we had anything
to say to each other.

wind,
you ought to write
more often.

i don’t bother
even trying
with the trees and anything else
alive, really.

fire,
at least you tell me the truth.
in return
i let you lick me
until i’m ignorant, crazy
from the heat.
i let you eat my home
and busy yourself with your crying joy.

fire,
over and over you’ve taken the very clothes
you made me shed
each time i stopped, dropped, and rolled.
every conversation with you ends up with me
babbling naked in a corner
while you dance.

fire,
i’m a boy and you’re a man
i could grow up to be.
scorch rock, burn trees, outrun
wind and rain. i’m listening, fire.
i’m all fuel and ears.