Blood Sky Fire

by Oscar Martens

 

Gravity is love or the root of possession.

 

You find a way to use fire and air,
scorch possessive earth
to escape.

You make your own death,
strapped to boosters,
breaking vows with earth.
Blood meets the sky as a mist
in the presence of fire.

You fly
you choose
your death
you fall.

We watch your falling
and cannot turn away.

We are hungry for the sight of you
on fire
combining with air
fast enough to make light.

 

Blood Sky Fire was published in the NeWest Review, Volume 23, Number 1, 1999.

Copyright © 1999 Oscar Martens