Tian Burns

Tian burns. In her cosy chambers,

Pillowed in the softest down, she sees

Her people freeze. On the plains

Winter bites through walls and windows,

She knows. Hunger eats her soul.

Tian burns. In hallowed halls,

She argues with her brother, shouts

The court down. There must be

A better way to live. Her people

Deserve more. Fuel to the fire.

Tian burns. In frozen mountains,

She holds close furs (taken from another)

And sees her fingers bitten black

With cold. She walks on,

Towards the sun.

Tian burns. On the brightest peak,

Sun grazes snow and sets her hands alight.

She screams a sacrifice, and

Catches hold of this:

Our tomorrow and our need.

Tian burns. On the long slow road home,

Flowers grow and trees bud as

She brings spring and warmth and fire.

Her hands are claws; she fights the pain

As her oil-sap blood feeds the flame.

Tian burns. At the gates to her city

(Her brother’s stolen city) her hands cage

Summer’s brightest blessing.

Her bones are charcoal, her eyes are unafraid.

Soldiers lay down their swords.

Tian burns. Her home is bright

With the fire she set; with her brother’s tears

And excuses. She brings forth

Heat and life. Her hands are cold and dead;

In her soul she carries fire.

Tian burns. Ambition’s brightest flame:

She lights not only hearths, but

Hearts. Remember her;

Who burns for you.

The world is your reward.