Land of Fire Quotes

“Then the woman who couldn't sleep
for the ache inside her ear,
who lit every bulb in her house
until the glare outside was bright enough
to change the weather in her neighbor's dream,
who reached up and pulled down a bulb
each time the glass of one
she laid against her ear grew cold
emptied of its light, and who waited
until she had drained each one -
the day changed back to night
behind her neighbor's eyes -
for the deep ache to leave, couldn't sleep
for the tips of her fingers burning.”
― Mario Chard, Land of Fire: Poems

“How did the bird get inside the house?
Through the door I said.
No. Through a window. Listen they said.
How did the bird get inside the house?
Through a window I said.
No. Through the chimney. How did it get inside?
Through the chimney I said.
It hatched inside. Who named the bird?
A child. A child named it.
The bird is nameless. Who named the bird?
I said no one. The bird is nameless.
What is your name? they said.
I am nameless I said.
Yes they said.”
― Mario Chard, Land of Fire: Poems