Smoke

I am alive.

The pain seems to come from every part of me.

They say that those who are being burned alive
lose the sensation as the nerves are destroyed.

Oh God, how can so much pain come from wanting
to be loved, touched, respected, understood?

Hot tears run down into the pool of my love.
Will there ever be enough to put out this flame
that burns within me?

And if there are, will there be anything left of me
but smoke?