Shame

Shame is a rushing wall of solid white heat.
It slams into you -
pushing and searing against your cheeks.
No way to fight it.
You push back against a barricade of licking flame -
you burn.
Inside the blaze surrounded -
a foaming, frothing cavalry of fire.
You shrink and crackle -
wittled down by hot regret.
But survive it.
Don't breath -
go cold if you must -
freeze in the inferno -
for the moment -
until it burns itself out.
Get through the fire to the forgetful future.