Lodged

between the ribs

So near the heart’s

sweet beating

Ember

of doubt and fear

Smoldering

Compressed &

prone to flare

at least provocation

Legacy of grief

Invisible

Unseen

Forged so long ago

Catching at all

kindling

Acknowledge it

Smother it

Cover it or

cut it out

It won’t be doused

Ever raw

Lodged & always

burning.

— C.Birde, 2/21