print previewback KATE DANIELS
Rethinking the Burning of Books
Regret is the only book I’ve ever
Burned: I threw it into the fire
As a useless text, and resolved
To stand still for awhile, and feel
The fire’s heat, and not even try
To resist. The path backward
Is overgrown anyway before we
Even reach its end. We already saw
Its sights and blistered our feet
And froze our asses off walking
There the first time. We know its
Start and stop. So why go back?
A bonfire built to burn regret
Destroys every pathway leading
Back, and wastes no energy lighting
Up the dark environs of the unknown
Future that lies beyond its flaming
Circle. Its message is fiery and
Stark—five syllables flaming
In the present tense: It is what it is.
A declaration, of sorts. A manifesto,
If you will. A way to live. 
Breast Cancer
End of the Marriage
Rethinking the Burning of Books