Through the orange, glowing embers,
the depth of stirred and heated ash,

fire on fire on fire,

the course of days allowed,

coals searing, slicing,

exposing what is only flesh below,

the swirling smoke of life revealed,

so you must look within

your own heart

to the depth of what you are.

As sure as you must

draw the next breath,

you must come to know

what you were destined to be,

layers burned away.

For He knew you

In your mother’s womb

before the foundations of the earth,

and He will not stop

the scorch of insight

lest the life glow goes away.

The burns that hurt

are healed by the balms

of knowing, understanding, accepting,

acting on your treasured talents,

gifts bequeathed by living

your special, precious life.

Oh destiny, great destinies,

the flames  leap ever higher

to clear what would bind us

from the good and bounteous way.

copyright 2009, Jerry W. Engler