Magic Fire

i am caught in magic fire

that smoulders,

fragrant sweet smoke

like an incense stick

a tiny, hot ember,

redolent of roses

love and reverence

at times it blazes

majestic

like a an awe-inspiring mountain range

with the power of a monarch

who appears to decide

which mortal lives

and which dies

i am humbled by it

and weakened

utterly unable to resist

at other times

it’s a red-hot knife

tormenting my heart

with a red-hot pain

i can barely endure

without crying out loud:

where was the warning,

where was the sign

that on the path you and i meet

this magic fire waits for me

while you walk away

untouched and free ?

18^th June 2010

shahbano aliani