neural fire

Neural fire burns a hole in the skull,

sizzles through the skin,

takes you in its whirling, grabbing arms

and rips you unwillingly through its own trial by fire.

 

Are you strong enough?

You win no prize, no right to boast.

Will it knock you down?

There are pills for that, but they cost.

 

There are no fire extinguishers for such a flame,

no fire brigade with a bright red truck,

and it’s just as well anyway.

The siren would only blow another hole in your bursting skull.

 

October 9, 2009