Fijian Firewalkers

Silent and still, I can only stare
At the bed of coals and burning soles
Which walk along in foreign confidence.
Drum beats pound a fear in the air
Making me wish I wasn't there.

What kind of nature-mocking power
Do these natives possess that allows
Them to walk so freely on fire?

"Thick skin," my brother whispers while
My father mutters "Satan-something" barely
Loud enough for white ears to hear.
I stand closer and hold his large hand tight
Hoping that some day I might be strong
Enough to attain some similar power.

Paul Apgar :: Feb '98