Don't Get Burned

Midday, under a blanket of cumulus

when the orange ball teases you

into unprotected play

and you respond with freckled affection. Respect that radiation.

It's all for fun until you've been burned.

Been burned before;

it was hell. Diving your artesian well

that sweltering summer,

apricot-sized blisters

jiggled on my shoulders. Now, the dermatologist

doesn't sugarcoat the matter.

Overexposed my organ to the sun,

and now I'm, well, overdone. Those naturally rich in melanin

have inherited more protection.

But don't let their armor fool you;

everyone has an Achilles' heel. With enough exposure,

weaknesses revealed.

Regardless of the skin you wear,

we're all made to burn,

some slow, some fast,

some will outlast,

but that fire

consumes us all. So when you bare it all

to that burning star,

remember to wear

protection.