Proximity

Defy your true nature
let it lick your flesh
like fire from a lantern
or battery acid held 
in a special balloon bladder
in the darkness 
the illusion of safety
the warmth tied to the lack 
of light the soft
of your pocket
coat made of tough 
waxed fabric like you tough
too near what you aren't
it eats into you
covers your shadow
etches a shadow hand 
over your own
dry pine needles
rusty orange fingers
before the lick of flame takes
girls going wild in the middle
as you slide 
into the rough belly 
tumbler of the creature
diamond dust scab ocean
defy your nature
to run hide safer
to curl like a sleeping finger
too close for that