The Emperor

By Rae

I am that flame encircling the wick, 
unrestrainable light of the sun, 
window for the wind.
I am the great pine, tomato trellis,
walls of the alchemic stove. 
Find me in your angles and lines,
measured breath, essential form. 

My wisdom
is sweat on the brow. My nurturance 
is the spiral binding of a notebook.
I draw boundaries of protection for the
wild golden dog. 

Do not think my dispassion is cold–
my feet are bound to the earth’s core. 
Do not mistake my intentions as self-serving,
my form and order pours the Empress 
into that exact jade magnolia
on the edge of the field.

So wield me, queer me, meld me
with your gifts. Ravenous hands 
have carried me into the dark corners and feasted
and will feast until those with heart
redeem me. What sturdy systems 
of fortitude and strong bones
might we create?

Return me to be in service of the soul:
a true leader’s greatest honor. 
Claim and tend my fire–

        no one is going to do this for you.