Scorched

Love
has not eluded me—
rather,
it has pursued me-
it has stalked and surveilled me.
Love has hunted me down
and assailed me.

Suddenly,
I have turned, back to the wall,
eyes wide with surprise.
I have seen love, bones and all,
bared of its dull disguise.

And now I know
how it will go,
love does not sidle up,
pink posies in hand—
but ruptures the fabric of life
with a firing brand,
searing forever its singular name
upon the unsuspecting
heart,
by flame.

© 2011 Katharine L. Sparrow