Sharing the Price of Fire

author's note:

To be clear: the returning hero could just as well have been a heroine.


SHARING THE PRICE OF FIRE
(aka FABLE OF THE HERO'S RETURN)

Yes, I was the one
who brought fire down:

I lay myself open
on the mountain top
and waited until
the thunder god blasted me
with a lightning bolt.

Yes, I paid a great price
so the people would have fire.

But when I returned home
brandishing the torch
the one waiting at the door
saw how charred and scarred I was--
and said:

Blasted empty--
now I’m partner to a tremoring shadow.

“The world and you
  will soon bless my offering,”
  I countered.

“The truth is:
  you did it for yourself--
  now sit down
  and let me apply the salve.”

No, I didn't receive
the praise I believe
a true hero deserves

but I realized this blessing:
she actually understands me

and not only accepts my foibles
but loves me enough to help me deal
with whatever demons may plague me
after this horrific triumph.

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