I am fire

by Marsala Strachan

I am frightening.
I can be made from lightning.
One small spark brought me awake.
I am winding like a big red snake.
I am like a blood red wall.
I am the beast that ate it all.
My flames flickered, I crept.
I snickered and then … I leapt.
I am roaring.
Catching every bird that is soaring.

• Marsala’s poem received a Special Mention in  the 12th Kathleen Julia Bates Memorial Writing Competition. For full results click here.