Paul watched the forests burn.
He watched them burn on TV.
His friend Bryan watched the forests burn
live and in person dressed in firefighting gear.
Paul watched TV for the slim chance
he would see Bryan working
interviewed by some TV reporter
assigned to the disaster.
Paul thought it odd he kept a candle burning
as a spiritual protection for his firefighting friend.
When one candle became a nub
Paul immediately replaced it.
The niche wore dripped wax in multiple colors
and candle-soot darkened the gothic arch.
copyright © 2023 Kenneth P. Gurney
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