An edged exterior envelopes 

a fiery burning soul. 

Flaming compassion burns through,

masked by lidded eyes. 

The scent of metal and cologne

hugs, 

clings, 

burns through, 

fitting on the tan jacket and hat-

the uniform for a soldier at war

with himself. 

Scars on arms, 

marks, 

checks, 

tallies

showing times in a self-inflicted

Purgatory. 

Sins burn away, leaving 

their brand on the nervous tissue. 

Others see the marks and trap

their minds

into seeing him

one way. 

The heat of the fire 

burns, 

consumes, 

hurts

their eyes to watch. 

They do not try to see past the flames

and see 

the refined being beneath.