Chimney Smoke

I wade in still water,

desperately waiting to be

stolen by an orphaned current.

I empty my asthmatic lungs at

dense clouds, hoping I can turn

their opaque skins transparent.

I kiss searing tongues of flames so

my lips can learn how to burn.

I stow aboard sinking ships,

knotting my head to the

bow, and my heart

to the stern.

I tried breaking

into your rigged heart

with heart-shaped dynamite.

My explosives mated with yours,

creating an unbearable Fahrenheit.

We let the cold flames melt our hot flesh

to cold bone. Allowing the smoke to

guide our entangled souls

back the chimneys they

call home.