House Fire 1

By Dave Goulder 



What was in his head
entering a neighbour’s home to spread
the fluid, then strike the match and watch 
 the classical guitar, melodion and flute
blister up and burn
destroying mandolin and lute,
paintings, records, books; was it pleasing just to see the flame
devour the trappings of a fellow man who chose
to play a different lifestyle game?
And how could he consider
the cherished photographs and letters
from long-dead family and friends, 
all transformed to windblown ashes in. . .