FIRST DEGREE BURNS ADD UP

CAUTIONARY TALE IX—KNOWLEDGE IS FORGED IN FIRE

In the shadow of the lights

cast from the fires of hell

where everything appears clear and bright

and vision swells unrestricted,

it is found that what you think you see

may be other  than what lies there.

I may see a blooming plant

textured in color and glory

picture worthy beautiful, pretty

while you see dreaded poison

grotesque in its beauty

waiting for the next hungry man to eat

that his troubles may finally be complete.

Is it knowledge that taints perception

or is all deception clothed in nuanced color and scent?

When it comes to shadows

I have found it best

to never follow what another says they know,

instead I will rely on my own knowledge grown.

And if it is something I know nothing about

I may take the long way round

where no shadows are fire formed.

Yet as always there is always an other hand

and I may simply

follow my hearts demand to learn,

earn the knowing, take a bite and if it kills me

then it will always be said

“he died for knowledge.”

From then to now, to this very day

If I have only learned this one thing

in a life I think has gone on too long

it is to fear no fear,

and one thing I know for sure

there is no shadow nor injury come

that I have ever been able to outrun

or honestly turn away from.

© M Durfee

6/6/13