Poem: Smoke trials
The sacrificial flame burns high
The licks of orange and red flicker
White marble, red flames mix, blend, liquify
What he has done is unadvised-
(Treasenous perhaps)
But Cale watches-
Hypnotized,
Hopeful.
If the offerings burned in the holy flames of the altar can reach Olympus itself-
Can they reach someone else?
What about Cale’s mother?
Could his letters reach her in Elysium?
He hopes so,
-so much that it would be his deepest desire.
The fire burns-
And the smoke rises higher
Gray flecks of ash float down
But the smoke continues to rise
Up and out of the temple.