Corinne Flowers

Spontaneous Human Combustion

(hypothesis)
witness what remains-
a room largely unmarked
a body almost gone
a few blackened bones
a shadow
an echo

(proof 1)
the body burning the mind
the smallest spark
ignites the hottest flame
instantly and perpetually
fed by the lipid candle and
too much perfume or
polyester wicking
(proof 2)
the mind burning the body
the mortal manifestation
of passion or obsession
smoldering
psychic suttee
the immolation of grief
on the funeral pyre

melting from top to bottom
leaving only a pair of uncharred feet

(theorem)
and dust
scattered across oceans or
cast into the wind
with a dull gleam
like onyx or wax