The Plea

You once curled up to me

Warmed by my sounds

And heart

And spark

You lay at my hearth

And I warned you,

No closer

The cold grew behind you

And you inched forward

I laugh

An ember floats

And stings your face

And I warned you,

No closer

I hum softly

And when my eyes are closed

You lean further in

The heat stings your cheeks

You smile

And I warned you,

No closer

I crackle on about hands I’ve warmed

And pages I’ve been read by

And meals I’ve cooked

You close your eyes

Inhaling smoke

Choking on my words

And I warned you,

no closer

I tell of woods I’ve left in ruins

Homes engulfed

Breath snuffed out

You plug your ears

And move in

All the while your skin is singed

your lungs fill with soot

Your thoughts fade

I warned you