Deception

Fire devours
It crawls slowly, patiently along its prey, licking up the helpless matter
Wafes of flames lap out gracefully, claiming what lies ahead as their own
So fluid, so graceful, so lovely, entrancing, enchanting, endearing…
The bright, inviting light glows with warmth
shining with welcoming love
The soft waves of flame reflect back in your eyes
Drawing you ever closer
The beauty and power of flickering fire
Pulls you in nearer and nearer
Your eyes widen, hand lifts, drawn into the flame
The spell washes over your head
Dreams of enlightenment and wonders dance through your thoughts
The fire locks onto you tight
The heat of the flames washes your fingertips
Caressing your hands sweetly with warmth
It sings to you, beckoning with sweet melodies
You lean in further, your fingers stretching out towards the flame…
The wonder and power so close in your grasp…
You curl your finger, clutch the sparkling gem
The flame resonates triumphantly
For a second

The triumph dies, your spirits drop
You snatch your hands instantly back
Red blisters blossom across your skin
Sharp pain drive into your flesh
Seared hopes, burned dreams filled with bitter black char
All that is painful and ravaged
The flame was a beauty, a friend, a light, a joy
It entranced you with charm and deception
And now you, the poor fool, the naïve ignorant child
Bear the scars from the burn of betrayal