You see me in the smoke

Circling your chimney, 

Ever-present yet peripheral. 

If only you knew...

Even fire can't keep you warm. 

You feel the embers of a flame

That blazes not for you, 

Not for anyone

And think the sputters 

That reach your soft skin

Instill a pain indicative of love. 

Into every ring of life 

You cut, 

Further and further

Until my reflection tethered to you

Was no image at all 

But a box. 

You can't cage light.

My vines reach beyond metal, 

Beyond tears--

Ascend to only

The box in which you reside.