PERFECT Florine

Occasionally
A human being
Saw my light
Rushed in
Got singed
Rushed out
Called fire
Or it happened
That he tried
To subdue it
Or it happened
That he tried to extinguish it.
Never did a friend
Enjoy it
The way it was.
So I learned to
Turn it low
Turn it out
When I meet a stranger -
Out of courtesy
I turn on a soft
Pink light
Which is found
Modest
Even charming.
It is protection
Against wear and tears ...
And when I am rid of
The Always-to-be-Stranger
I turn on my light
And become
Myself.

Florine Stettheimer