To Whom I Have Touched.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

now i must set
aside
risks, preferring
not
that bursts of fire
ignited self
in more ecstasies

it was too risky
then
that which i took
upon myself
as i burn in fear
charred
and foul

this is another chance
to peaceful
thriving, alone and
happy
in the pursuit of
more weighing
deep thinking
contemplation of
the inner beauty
that still sits within
me
away from you
whom i have touched
and burned a part of
me.