*

*

down in the basement of must and mold

lives a slow-burning fire

connected by wires and tubes

to the thunder-maker

life-support, hearth heartbeat

an ancient system, obsolete

a necessary antique

not mine to critique

its warm water saltsweet

*

down in the chest cavity of blood and bone

lives a slow-burning flame

connected by prayer and intent

to the liberator

keystone spirit, seven stories high

an ancient path, evergreen

not ours to refuse,

only when to choose