cliché musings

it’s a mistake to believe society would always

end up where we are.

cause and effect are not a linear passage

through time

and brain development

and human catastrophe.

irreversible damage is made even worse

knowing that spirited flames

are ashened by still water, any water,

but you froze,

and the water

never left your hands.

i don’t know how to remove the burns

from my scarred fingertips.

the remains are scattered underneath

the soles of my

shoes, and

leave blackened footprints

across paved steps.

now the pattering of the rain refuses

to smear it away

and forget flashes of fire.