Begin with every swallowed word.
Pile them carefully,
as though silence were wood
and humiliation tinder.
Pile them carefully,
as though silence were wood
and humiliation tinder.
Strike memory against memory
until sparks come.
Do not fear the crackle.
until sparks come.
Do not fear the crackle.
Let your lungs fill with flame,
not apology.
Let your bones harden into ember.
not apology.
Let your bones harden into ember.
When they pour water on you,
steam.
When they bury you in ash,
rise from it.
steam.
When they bury you in ash,
rise from it.
Do not shrink for their comfort.
Do not fold yourself small.
Do not fold yourself small.
Claim your light,
and carry it unbroken.
and carry it unbroken.
One day,
someone will say they cannot look at you.
Do not flinch.
That is what fire is for.
someone will say they cannot look at you.
Do not flinch.
That is what fire is for.
(Editors’ Note: “Instructions for Becoming Fire” is read by Matt Peters on the Uncanny Magazine Podcast, Episode 71A.)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
© 2026 Chisomaga Umenyi
