Elliptical

The twisting tendrils of smoky ash
wind their way above his head,
and the ground shakes with each flash
of the skins these nightmares shed.

Smoke chars their throats from words
burning holes down through their stares,
lashes blackened to curling crisp,
as the fire spreads to taste our lips.

The heat is stony and unrecognized,
clear but hazy with dark surprise.
It means the pain has gone numb today
as the morning tilts to shadow grays.