The Burning Man

My bones are a burning bonfire
but by flames I’m not consumed.
You might flee if you see the pyre.
So – for your sake – I am entombed
in ice to hide heat and brightness
from your eyes. You see me and know
nothing. I show only whiteness.
The forge inside rages hot, though.
Our frozen shield will not survive.
Winter must relent to summer.
I can’t hold back and stay alive.
Stay close. Burn with me if you can.
Or else ring alarm bells and give
warning – “Beware the burning man!”

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This poem was an attempt at a few things. I wanted to play around with meter and enjambment to create a sort of chaotic feel because the feeling of passion is a little out of control most of the time. The poem is about being knowingly passionate about ________ but hiding that from other people for social reasons. Of course, one can only hide a passion for so long. The hope is that when it gets out, someone shares the passion and burns with you, but the fear is that they are freaked out.

“Bro has an entire room in his house dedicated to Star Wars memorabilia.”   

I like the poem, but while I think playing around with the meter and structure was authentic to the subject matter, it detracted from its readability.