Mary in the Fire
In memory of my cousin, Mary Barrett
Mary in the fire
in the light
I dream of your smile
and agony etched in your face
the whirling pretty skirt
flames licking the lace
and wonder
is that your ghost
still dancing by the hearth
just abandoned stones now
your tiny footprints
there in the earth
you danced by the fire
you played too close
you wilted too soon
like an unopened rose
Mary in the fire
is that you I hear
but I cannot tell
if you are laughing
or crying
but I have not forgotten you sister
for your ashes still carry
on a soft wind sighing