This was inspired by a student in my writing class a few years ago

who said, well what she said.


Susan Herzog

Mackenzie Senior Secondary

Burnt Offerings

"I can write things that I hate and
Burn them," she said, and I hoped
That the fire would not burn
Her instead.
She has been in flames for
So long already.
She has no hidden place
For feelings, but leaves
Them exposed like damaged
Nerves.
The flames and the feelings
Feed each other, instead of
Feeding her. She is starving,
Looking to be nourished,
Finding only small parts of
Handed down family recipes,
And stale dated groceries.