schism

∴ schism erupts with cries—
fire extinguished, yet ash
coils its ghost through our lungs
venom sweet as nectar
venus fly traps snap shut
satiated by frail scapegoats
seeking reprieve from the jaws
of their own decorum

not all fires are meant to save
peace is no offering, no altar flame
left to smolder in the without
but a strike of flint within
a stubborn spark
refusing
to dim ∴