Hesitation

They climb higher.

I stand and watch them silently, the roaring flames,

The curling smoke, and feel

Calm.

Odd, I think, how something that others see as so violent

Seems so gentle to me.

But they only see the surface. They

Look at the bright orange flames and they see

Heat, destruction, and they are

Afraid.

They do not look any deeper,

Do not wish to.

They are afraid,

For they only look at the flames--

They do not see. They have

Misunderstood.

I look into the flames--

I see the fire.

But perhaps I am afraid too.

Don’t stand too close, they say,

Never touch the fire, or you will be

Burned.

So I hesitate.

Wouldn’t you?