Flame and Shadow

Wisps of smoke reach above trees
My breath forming clouds which dissipate as I run
shouts reach my ears on a cold breeze
when only minutes ago they were yells of fun

Reaching the edge I skid to a halt
The chimes of bells ringing their awful toll
In the village a horse bolts
the snow engulfs a child's precious doll

Starting forward I slip down the slope
Heath causing me to stumble with its woody tangle
With every moment I lose more hope
As the flaming horror before me blazes at every angle

The first rays of dawn are hidden
by the events of this morning's devastating brutality
Tears come despite being forbidden
as the culprits run, screaming with crazed hilarity

That disease of the mind kills
so when the fire recedes, flames of my anger do not
The silent graves make hills
the thought of forgiveness turns my rushing blood hot

Alone my vengeful thoughts entwine
Stripping my soul bare I turn my back on virtue
to walk a razor thin line
and become a being of shadow with justice to do

When my job is done I will return
To the charred earth where only my feet raise dust
Waiting to feel the burn
and burrow my sins with their pain and old trust


- Scarlett Van Dijk

Stock images from Barbara, Lydia and Falln-Stock