I apologize if you’re looking
for campfire stories
and not this twisted art
of over-the-top descriptions
and mirroring metaphors
every poet wants
a rapt reader a syllabic
sleuth to follow the clues
and unravel the mystery
you can still read it by the fire
but you must listen between words
in the pauses of breath
and licks of flame
try to feel the slow knit
of something
and the warmth it
leaves you at the end
perhaps never knowing
it was a hand warmer
stocking cap
or a sweater
tailor made for you