Signal Fire

I put you out to dry
many moons ago,
became safe
in my forgetfulness.
I have embibed in my Mother’s potion
of light and air
water, fire, loamy earth.
I have soaked her into my skin
where there is no more room for you.

But in deep nights I lie unprotected.
In my dreams I light signal fires
for you to see,
for you to follow.
And when you come,
I cross hot coals to meet you.

"Why are you here after so long?"
I wonder to you.
My eyes follow your grand gesture
toward the fires burning
in the corners of my mind.
"I wouldn’t have come unless you called me."

I nod in acknowledgement and melt into your arms
learning about hate
learning about love
wishing for the rain to come
and wash my signal fire away.