Infer No Harm

Matchbox mattresses will not keep you warm

unless you are able to find a spark.
I led there dripping like candle wax

in an attempt to glow despite the dark.

My wicker legs cannot take all the strain

that’s been placed on them throughout the days.
They are waiting desperately to buckle

and burn out in a final blaze.

But my aching muscles cannot be lit,

my lighter has been emptied of its gas.
And my matchbox is empty every night

so I need to wait for the pain to pass.

Someday I may well find myself a match
and my highly flammable heart may catch.