Fireworks In A Bottle

Violent thoughts rolling down the hill like an old tire.

We both know too well –

As long as you’re in this city, it won’t catch fire.

Not for the lack of trying, not for the lack of toluene –

My charcoal palms prove

The combustion was never once obsolete.

Violet treetops and lavender sunsets keep me at bay.

As long as you shush me

The world will wake up to another tranquil day.

The ghost pepper burning inside me painfully swells

But we both know it –

The flames won’t hurt until the passion sells.