The writhing flame inside my skull
Blackens me from within—
But still I grin.
The heated smoke pours out my eyes,
Curls my shriveling skin—
And still I grin.
The scent of my burnt flesh ascends,
Dark perfume on the wind—
Through all, I grin.
When the flame’s at last extinguished,
Dawn finds my face caved in—
Still, I will grin.