Temptation

"Come closer," he called

from the fire's edge

as I clung to my postern

in the sheltering hedge.

"Come," he beckoned.

"Closer," he teased,

smoke disguising his subtle deceipt.

I was standing far away

so even on tiptoe

I couldn't see.

It was the safest place to be.

Then slowly, closer and closer

I crept

until I could almost feel the heat

of the flames, but not quite.

Feeling sure,

I bent to get a better view,

and with his Judas nudge, I knew

I'd come too far.

Since then I've learned:

the farther away from the fire

I stand,

the less likely I'll get burned.