I thought it was a ghost in the smoke.
a memory imprinted on the far-cornered, like minds of flame
a spirit, a reflection,
a man.
I thought it was a man in the smoke.
I saw the vaporous shell of his body.
when the building collapsed
and he stood behind the backlit frame,
just beyond salvation,
but too close not to touch.
-yes, I thought I saw a man.
and he uttered something slowly.
(but I did not hear.)
and a fierce updraft sent him skyward
out of body, out of reach-
the hot vapor dissipated.
(and I did not move)
(and I did not move)
(and- I did not move)
and I did not take comfort in seeing you go.
