An Experience of Fire (in three shades)

 
I  
I put the fire upon the scales  
to solve a mystery  
of how a thing that has no weight  
can act so forcefully  
 
I put the fire upon the scales  
and turned the dial around  
to try and find the perfect note  
which registered its sound  
 
I put the fire upon the scales  
when up the flames they leapt  
consumed the scales, devoured it all  
and said “my pledge is kept …  
 
… I am the Fire, I’m judgement free  
I tell the Truth for all  
I am the One who purifies  
‘till scales exist no more”.  
 
 
II  
“And when the Fire has finished  
will there be anything left of me?”  
I asked my Guide  
“Oh yes” said He, “though you will be  
severely more diminished,  
considerably on the lighter side”  
 
“Is this a case of ‘less is more’  
where surplus will be burned away?”  
I asked my Guide  
“Oh yes” said He, “I have to say  
you will be cut back to the core  
and sensitised to turn of tide”  
 
“Is this old Fire reliable  
and qualified to do the job?”  
I asked my Guide  
“Oh yes” said He, and gave the nod  
the heat was undeniable  
and first to burn were shame and pride  
 
“Forgot to ask about the cost  
what kind of payment will be due?”  
I asked my Guide  
“The cost?” he laughed “is up to you  
if you resist, the more you’ve lost  
it’s free ‘till nothing’s left to hide”.  
 
 
III  
Why would I avoid the fire?  
it helps me travel light  
why would I ignore the fire?  
it catches me alight  
 
and when I turn to face the fire  
it burns ‘till I am gone  
except a seed left on the ground  
the part that is still One.