Next Time (a meditation on ancestral memories)

   wading into reflections
   immersed in the roar of the crowd
   free Cathy walked toward the center of the earth
   lowered her torch to the still waters
   ignited a running ring
   the fire dance surrounded her
   please do not let them burn her

   logic said they left her a way to escape
   they won't burn her she's their only
   Aboriginal symbol
   pioneer and champion
   reason replied they burn symbols have
   incinerated pioneers may sacrifice champions
   do not let them burn her

   she would make such a glowing sacrifice
   consecrate the games fire their spirits
   purify the hemorrhaging history of
   Down Under's new world order
   so brave her grace in silent
   running waves all around her
   do not let them burn her

   a sly miracle woman she
   escaped the burning
   stepped clear of the ring
   leaving the fire this time
   and faced the arena
   where the crowd waited
   for the games to begin