Still the flesh insists: thumbcap hard hat new little pileup of cells proud flesh mound uninflated crimson blister singed singing signaling pain but also the event of burning that I cannot remember When: fresh new enough last night? How: dinner? What did did I we oh plates warmed over no flame no great heat How can flesh remember what the mind has lost? One hand holds the other thumb over thumb tracing circles and lines as though pacing to bring it back through the barrier splitting wound from its shaping moment shape from event that particular now from becoming a then his easy morning whisper: Candle— streams back last night’s power cut the matchflame climbing its short wooden route dull wick to thumb. I waited watched as it lit at both ends then water and water—