Fire

Once burnt,
they say,
twice shy;
but how many times
can a body burn
before there is no more shyness
to increase?
When I was young
the fires of desire
somehow seemed cooler
than the embers which now
are dying
in my heart;
flesh healed faster
and left fewer scars,
and the burns
were never so deep.
The need for others
is constantly sizzling away
within my mind,
releasing the odor
of desparation
so strong
that it drives those others
I need
away.
This forethought
places all other concern
on a back burner
including even minimal self-care.
My injuries grow:
scorches and blisters
and burns
fester from inattention
or inappropriate attention
(I scratch)
(I pick)
(I pull)
sending inflammation
radiating from irritated wounds.
There is no time
to pause or to heal
when you are still
fighting a fire.