Inhale

 

 

I had forgotten the grey,
The dark of rising smoke-
Light form, dark nature.

I had forgotten the fire,
The blaze at the lit tip-
Smoldering, sputtering.

I had forgotten the warmth,
The coal pot ignited within-
Expansive, compressed.

I had forgotten headiness,
Losing oneself to find escape-
Evasive, uncertain.

I had forgotten the first rush,
The strong vapor burning-
Rising, dragging.

I had forgotten the feel,
The clasp between two fingers-
Textured, wilting.

I had forgotten the bow,
The head, accepting fire on lips-
Breathless, inhaling.

I had forgotten death,
The goodbye at the end of this-
Fiery, waiting.

But now I remember,
And now I accept,
And now I inhale
And exhale each breath.

…