I notice it
It is slight
In meaning and in size

A momentary interruption
A mere flicker
in the tenement of steel
A brief flaw
in the consummate white

this thing they call fire
unfed, licking on all sides

I wouldn't touch it
even if I were close enough

but
for a moment, there

a faint bit of scarlet
outlined in ochre
bright, and brilliant
and about to die

a momentary interruption
a spasm
in the cold, undeviating line of time