Maybe I don’t have to jump
onto that emergency slide
with its offer to escape the flames--
Don't have to descend into the smoke
pouring from between cracked panes
obscuring the future's possibilities.

If I stand strong long enough
the fire's fuel will be exhausted
everything comfortable consumed
by the blaze, it will be sated
and I can stay
Here
in this scorched skeleton of a home. 

Perhaps I don't have to walk away
from this safe, hollow shell
and begin my life again. 

Selah