Damn! I am so out of time... had meant to review before I shoot off, but need to get some sleep instead (sorry, but needs must!) I have here revised a "pair" of writes: Rosemary, the herb, is symbolic of remembrance and, while on the "cooking" theme, thought I'd throw in a bit of flambe, too! :)) Two for one... and, to humour me while I'm incapacitated, you could even let me know which you prefer, if you like; 'twould be interestin! BE WELL, PEOPLE, and lots and lots of love while I'm gone. Be good! :)) ... missin you already.... xxx K xxxx

ROSE MARY

I am incense:
my life is fragrance
and a prayer.

Put me to the flame
and my essence is released:
loosely curling strands,
the sweetly-perfumed haze
that rises sensuous from
a newly snuffed-out wick.

I am the scent of molten wax;
touch me now and I shall become
as that liquid second skin
that wraps you round.

Burn me, then,
and I am unleashed;
crush me, and I am spent…

but my presence remains,
an unknown mystery
that kindles a remembrance
even after I am gone.



* * * * * * * *


ENFLAMEE

Because a candle burns,
I am not in the dark, alone;

You are with me, but you are not
the molten wax that singes now my finger
with its burning liquid skin.

And you are not the cool head
of the lily-petalled flame,
or the pink of its hot heart.

As I breathe out my longing
the candle flame is snuffed;

close at last, you are
the scent of smokey strands
that permeate my darkness,

your fire making the whole room
bright.