Fire eater
He watches, entranced, The dance of the fire-eaters, They hold steady, their torches ablaze. He fixedly stares at cropped red vests and baggy trousers, sandals and painted toenails; fingers blackened under flames. The man opens his mouth wide, Tonsils quiver, A bead of sweat on his temple evaporates. He holds his breath, waiting – Trapping danger inside, Obscured by the breath of a dragon.