I lit myself on fire once.

Written during (not for) the opening of Chapter 2014, Philadelphia via Concordia, KS
I lit myself on fire once.

Not on purpose, but still.

The match I intended to blow out

consumed my hair and eye lashes.

All around me was a flash

of light and heat

and in my heart

was panic.

The mystics speak of being set

on fire

by the Love of God,

in a Love all-consuming.

I'm sure it comes like a flash

and I'm sure fear must be

extinguished first

or it won't burn bright for long.

I feared I'd be disfigured

that my whole self might go up

in a cloud of smoke.

Singed and shaken I emerged.

But I imagine when God sets a fire

it is a controlled burn

it gives life even as it takes it

and only singes what resists.

The blaze is set deep within

no puff of smoke or putrid smell

only life,

the most combustible fuel of all.

You can't set that type of fire yourself

No, it is a flame beyond

your control

If you try, you're bound to get burned.

As a child, they told me

not to play with matches.

You'll set yourself on fire.

How right they were.

I was set on fire once

through no fault of my own

I consented to being consumed.

I could not hold the flames at bay.

Let go and let it burn my Love

whispered in my ear.

A flash of tongues about my head,

White hot passion in my soul.

Engulfed but not afraid I stood

A box of matches at my side

The emptiness inside was full

A flame that wouldn't die.