Vigour

Scientists can prove

that fire is in the earth

except that - when I light a fire

it crackles up, transforms,

consumes the outer flesh

but earth-fire’s an invisible

inner craze that pulses

out volcano pores,

earthquake eyes,

tsunami tears.

And burning sun?

- a mirror - way - out there - that lights

our earth in warmth

and sweeter fruit.

Ishq Allah

On Sunday morning all drops quiet:

sun turns up and rain ‘pit-pats’ to a stop.

Among such calm - silence lands

hard enough to feel another day.

Outside, gardens light, flags drop.

Autumn time is harvest time;

fruit and flowers, muddy roots

but I can move – my hand wags -

every finger independent,

coupled - separated - whole.

Now a thirst of longing - to be ‘Me’

and a deeper aching - to connect

(like rosy-cheeks of any early true love)

sweet and hurting, stirring up to climb

into my body, out, and find the fire.