Erotica/She Walked Through Fire

by Arthur Clark Kennedy

She Walked Through Fire

Pure, untouched, even as she cameShe passed, unsullied and the same.

 

She walked through fire, a hungry flameLeapt up to lick and lap her o'er,Then backward flung its head in shame,Nor crisped the letters of her name,Along the glowing ashen floor.Spotless amid a motley crewShe passed the fiery ordeal throughUnhurt, begirt as with a fenceOf innocence.

Joyous she was, and ever gay,Though an occasional April dayWould steal across her heaven. For herThe flames were bright and beautiful,And each tongue seemed to ministerA pleasant warmth unto her soul;Her light-breathed laughter drove them back To line the path her feet would track,Her sunny tears reflected them.

Ah, happy, happy, wayward child,Bright contradiction, when you smiledUpon the flames, they danced in glee,Or crept to kiss and clasp your knee,As suppliants subdued and tame.

How did you pass those fiery ways,And come from out the midmost blazeNo smell of burning on your hair?

Because my love o'ershadowed you,Because your heart was pure and trueWhere'er you were.