Alphabet on Fire

Christina Mengert

Alphabet on Fire

Signifying garlands               this zealous isle

with love’s convention          overspread:

let the satellites wander        primordial

& from this heat                     quantum attraction

(I mean, I mean, I mean)

syntax astrological—                       observable universe of roses,

orchids, lilies—                     until momentum orders

orbit (as law) and blooming sense.

Alphabet on Fire (2)

Like in a dream
where intention catches
in the instrument

(words came halting)

a lever—levee—released

and language aflame.

Do it again.    It’s miraculous—

meaning piercing symbols

we offer like alphabets

of flowers       the tongue, love,

is a fire                      transparent

razing fire       clarifying

a form             forged before its calling

then after—