I toss them in
one by one
watching with sorrow
as the flames
catch the corners
of the pictures
in my fireplace
turning its happy orange glow
into a blue and green show

I close my eyes
and remember the days
where those pictures
were taken by me
Days so joyful
and I try not to think
of the sorrow they now bring

Since the day you left
our world of breathing
I have blamed others
for your sudden leaving
and as the pictures burn
I realize that I secretly
blamed me too
and then I know
that as the pictures burn
again I am killing you

I reach into the flame
and try to save the pictures
but the flames hot on my face
and it warmth warns
of the pain it is willing to inflict
I wasn't willing to burn
for you then

but I reach in anyways
because I am willing
to burn for you now
and I pull out one photo
where the edges have caught
but I smile anyway
for the second chance
to save you
even if it is
just a memory