12 Ways of Looking at a Flame

A flame covers the wick of my candle,
lighting each letter of my book.

A flame cooks the fish
that I caught upon my hook.

A flame lights a miracle
for those of Jewish decent.

And a flame accompanies the future
for those who do not repent.

It was a flame that lit the cannon
that barreled down my brother.

And a flame that lights the cigarette
that lends comfort to my mother.

A flame catches the branches
that grow a full-blown fire.

And the flame that sails across the lake
to illuminate the pyre.

The flame that lays upon her grave
is sheltered by red glass.

And the flames has lit the brown boy’s sky
for almost nine years past.

This flame that has withstood traveling
from mere cave to worldly man.

And this flame is with me eternally
with the almond- shaped scar on my hand.