the length of a tea light

i am asking, how long
can you hold your breath?
slippers in the oven. pouring
a glass of water as tall as a sky scraper.
i waited so long to feel my mouth
bloom as a lily. 
landing a plane on your open palm.
you make me think of strands of pearls.
bread crumbs leading my mouth
to the space by your feet. 
call me your heaven dog. set the pie
on the windowsill & do not think
of what the crows will do. i hold
my orange scuffed lighter & bring alive
a little mother on the wick. have you
never thought to call a flame "my girl."
everything i was & everything i carry
into the darkened ballroom 
of my stomach. i promise to keep
a supply. to always have another candle ready 
to flicker. the eye of a glorious fallen angel.
brief in his watching. he pulls veils 
for underneath my tongue. i want 
to keep the room bright for you.
i am willing to burn every single bay leaf.
the sage plant & the peppermint bush. 
one fire after another. kissing the beats
between an allegator's wings. 
scale & syrup & needing you so bad
i run out barefoot in the night's braided hair. 
on alley giving flame to another.
a string of tea lights taking me back
to your hands where you cup me
as a firefly. i empty myself
of my glow. all for you.