slow burn

i.
barest brush of warmth
against the backside of your ribs

ii.
warning: extremely flammable
expose heart with caution

iii.
leave fingerprints on the lighter
whose smiles you swallowed

iv.
candles glow behind your pupils
leading someone home

v.
you name your greatest fear
calling it “freezing to death”

vi.
the television advertises wildfires
(side effects include eventual burn out)