A scratch

Hiss

Burst of flame

Thorns twist in my ribs,

The wounds like an old friend

As I lower the match to the blackened wick

Fire jumps to the stiff braid

Blazing in tandem

Until I pull back

I blow,

Extinguishing the match,

Surrendering to isolation

The candlelight burns on

Crackles and sways

Wax weeping, eroding

Shadows flicker 

across my skin

Over the empty room

Your ghost whispers in echoes,

Ricocheting in every crevice

Of the hollowed night

Tears scorch my eyes,

Blur the flame before me

Stoke the embers 

Of fallen pleas

Promises

And transcendence 

Inhaling, I choke  

On smoke and truth

Bite my lip

I lean back,

A twisted heap of hope,

And wait

Until the flame burns out.