The Flames of Love

The flames of love that sear the skin underneath,
They burn through to the air.
Fed, they spread, engulfing the head,
The man's a lit match.
How does he focus so,
With thoughts coming together?

Smoke lifts from the pyre,
Rises to the great Pillar.
The Rock hears the fool's prayer,
For another does he perspire.

In burning despair is his need pursued,
In purifying fire is his need set aside,
In joy is the other's need raised to Heaven,
In ecstasy is The Crucified One exalted.