A piece of star has fallen here,
I think. We rimmed it round with stones
and fed it trees. Oh, how it burns—
what passion in those frenzied golden wings

that struggle skyward!
Tonight it seems
the universe is bathed in song and flame—
even this crust of earth is stretched so thin
around a seething mass of molten rock
glowing within the false peace of the hills.

Between the pulsing stars and whirling sparks
my soul alone is hushed, a spring enclosed,
in wrinkled shadows hid—shocked by desire—
Oh, heart! I know, I know why little moths
forget themselves and rush into the fire!

Miss Esh loves exploring the world of words, teaching children, and feels most at home in the woods.