This Thing

We took this Thing we’d made
out of its box - 
this tempting enchanting Thing,
played with it awhile.
We did, 
Played, we did.

But it got too big for us -
started to writhe and grow,
have Wants and Needs.
It did, 
Grow, it did.

And so it came to pass
that we were distracted,  
in thrall, addicted. 
Strayed too close to its licking flames.
Enjoyed the heat a bit too much.
We did, 
Strayed, we did.

But smoke stung our eyes
and we could not see
to kiss the stars
and universe goodnight.
It hurt.
It did, 
Hurt, it did.

So we fought this Thing, our Thing - 
thrust it back in its box, 
struggled to close the lid.
We did.
Struggled, we did.

This we did to save the others
and perhaps to save ourselves.
We did this Thing.
We did, 
Save, we did.

© Jennifer Phillips (All rights reserved)

Box © Jennifer Phillips

Dreamer's lament
The tenet of the heart
Smoke screens
Promethean heat
We'll be fine
This Thing - the end.