Too Close to the Fire

I yelped today, a brief flash of pain

as my finger met the heat of the pan—

my hands know better, yet I dove in again,

quick to stir, eager to mix life with spice.

The scent of singed skin mingled with herbs,

it clings, bittersweet, reminding me

of reckless decisions that simmered, bubbled—

a frantic dance around the stove,

but it’s not the first time I reached too far.

Each time, there’s a moment—

a choice burning my skin, memories scalded,

a reminder of boundaries blurred, mistreated.

I hold that heat close, unwilling to let go.