Trial By Fire

the lady at the deli asked
"Is that a Pagan star?"

I froze, stammered
"My name is Star, that's all"

in Sunday school rooms
trimmed with felt saints
the horrors visited upon
infidels who denied Christ
were cut into my soul

so as I saw the smoke billow
from my little home
all I could think of
was my pathetic denial
of the Gods who loved me
and cared for me
for all of years seven

do we dare dream of vengeance
from the ancients we've repainted
heavenly blue?

my tears did not stop the flames

displaced and stripped
of earth identity
I wander among shadows
dreaming of an honest life