Frank Prem

three flames

yellow within the blue
a constant stream
rising
until it spreads its tongue
to kiss the baffle

 

dance
the small flames dance

 

dance
the yellow is inside
the blue

 

~

 

(puff)

 

a flame-ball billows

 

(puff)

 

(puff)

 

a balloon afloat
that holds its shape
until cooler air

 

then gone

 

(puff)

 

it’s gone

 

(puff)

 

the balloon of gas
and fire
is puffed

 

(puff)

 

then it’s gone

 

~

 

the coals
are a-glow
with the heart
of red

 

they release
into the super-hot air
a tongue
of yellow

 

that flickers
as it rises
high

 

heated from the core
of fire
bright

 

near white

 

bright
near alive

 

hot coal hot coal
the glow
within the heart
of fire

 

~