Perle Champion

she fans the embers
she, the keeper of the flame
our very life’s soul

no roaring fires here
mere flickers hither and yon
subtly safe from harm

worthless or priceless
time, space, and need, decide it
coal or diamonds

she was many things
a free but troubled spirit
sunshine and dark clouds

I cleared her path of
stones and other harmful things
twas never enough

each the other’s night
the life lived while real to one
just the other’s dream

I always fit in
but never belonged – no roots
each became a choice

fleeting thoughts only
ink anchors them on the page
if not, were they

I want to know what
madness is and where the edge
of its beginnings are

I’ve skirted its rim
felt its cold breath raise each hair
on back of my neck

cats’ whiskers sensing
what comes in stealth to rob me
of peace, mind – of me.