Kurt R.A. Giambastiani

crouch down
before the glowing remnants
of the dying world
lay sap-heavy fronds
atop the ashes
inspire smoldering embers
to consume resinous wood

hear the snap
as awakened heat bites
spindles your offering
and ghostly tendrils
acrid sweet and thick
rise and twist
as fire consumes life

reach out
into the smoky column
grab handfuls
of perfumed essence
pull them close
lift them
to heart to throat to hair
bathe in strength released
breathe in this final transmutation

awaken now
renewed refreshed rejuvenated
eat the earth
touch the skies
and with tempered soul
sharpened eye
sinews taut
prepare to protect
the life you would bequeath
to the future