Temporary

This candle has a short wick.

We can save it, preserve it, set it for

only moments at a time, hide it, save it for

another time, more time, time that we don't have,

we can never be burnt.

or

we can light it, let it last all night, let

it melt and settle in hot, buttery wax, let it

linger, let it burn, let it hurt long, let

our fingers touch with bitter lips, until

there is none left, until it goes out,

and maybe we will burn.

This candle has a short wick.