Maimed (Brandy Goodman Poem #2)

Dip the fuse in wax,

Light it and watch it burn.

The flame progresses slowly,

Just waiting for its turn.

Dip the fuse in gasoline,

Light it and get back.

The trail disappears in a flash’

And you’re faced with an attack.

Dip the fuse in nothing,

Light it, it burns at it’s own pace.

It’ll get there when it gets there,

There is no need to race.

Whether it’s a slow burn or a fast burn,

Or something in between,

Your fuse eventually runs out,

And we all know what that means.

A person can only take so much

Before the powder keg we are,

Explodes upon those around us,

Leaving more than just a scar.

The words that will spew from us

At this point in time,

Can never be undone,

We are guilty of this crime.

So when it’s time for you to blow,

Be careful where you are aimed,

Make sure the right people are hit

And no innocents are maimed.