Instructions

by Susan Wheeler


Imagine you
beneath the flue
should ventilate
with zest too great
and proximate
a fire bait
without equip,
a nozzle, tip
and creosote spray
to save the day.

The whoosh of air
and ignition there
might shake you so
you'd have to throw
yourself upon
a rug or john
and roll or splash
the flames that lash,
then up and go
to the right window
for the fire escape
(you painters, scrape!)
open it and leave
so I not grieve.

For though you be
immortal, He
guards the few
in His purview
whose hubris pales
before they fail.