rite of flame:

Even after all these years

I’m still enticed by the rite of flame.

Mesmerized by the might contained

within each shimmering coal.

I knew warmth then,

I knew power then.

The braids of fire jump forth.

They spell your name in ash.

Never one to be the victim,

I see what you’ve become.

Even on your knees,

I could hardly utter it.

To call this place an altar,

to claim this ground as sanctified.

An acolyte of the God of ash.

I stained my hands in soot.

Watched the flames dance,

mimicked their steps.

All to learn the truth,

the path to burn.