She prayed for the fire this time

from the west

Where the plane merges

with its shadow on the wall

of her existence

To rain down eternity

from the empty desert sky

above

her bowed head

Blow down the walls

that close her in

holding her

prisoner in her own skin

Blow out the painted windows

that have kept the light so long

from shining in

Tear away the veil

that hides this face

the false prophets said was nothing

but shame and sin

to be seen in the clear light of day again

Strip off the shroud

that shields this desperate, yearning body

from a world that might have been

To be struck by sunlight

and the cool soft rain

instead of stones

for exposing this lonesome skin

to the piercing gaze of her fellow man

once again

She prayed for the fire this time

from the west

down to the east

the fire that breathes eternal

grace and peace.