A black hole

opened beneath our feet

and dragged us deep

into the Earth’s flaming core.

We held hands

but lost one another

behind high flames

and piled rock.

I sifted through

ash and spit

searching for you

with hot fingers,

feet and flesh.

I didn’t flinch 

when Satan stuck

his tongue in my ear

nor when the wails 

of lost souls echoed

in my heart.

I listened

for the sound of your cries,

I sniffed

for the scent of your oceanic tears,

I tasted

black plumes of smoke 

for hints of your saccharine skin.

In the end,

I found myself

standing on charred bone

(maybe yours)

then laying down

Letting go for you

Burning for you

Dying for you.