The Soul’s Inferno



I cannot douse this flame of desire
that courses through my veins,
and reddens my face in your presence -
I can only hope to contain it.

You know the pressure upon my poor seams -
it’s all I can do at times to prevent bursting.
I feel as though I could explode with joy,
just watching your eyes upon me.

I smile thinking of the countless times
you’ve stopped my heart with the things you’ve said -
sweet things that bloom from your lips like flowers,
opening themselves under the sun’s golden warmth.

My mind reels under your iridescence -
vermilion lips amidst sepia skin;
faint crimson galaxies in the night of your hair;
and a spectral sparkle in your cinnamon eyes.

You’ve ignited this flame of desire
that burns a path through my veins,
and stammers my speech in your presence -
I can only hope to enjoy it.



Don L. Waddell, 2000