Prompt: find an idiomatic phrase from a different language or culture, and use it as the jumping-off point for your poem.
Magsaulian ng kandila
“to return each other’s candles”
the fire that once burned between us
has burned us both
the sparks of first impression
grew to embers in short time
as we stoked and kindled
through measured breath
and protection from the storm
we huddled close amid the glow
basking in warmth and light
before the winds turned
to blow the smoke
in our direction
coughing through the soot-laced air
faces turned away
sediment scalding inside our lungs
watering eyes betray the pain
as we exchange the remnants
of connection severed
a new flame emerges from the ash
hot
unwieldy
arrogant
a danger to us all