The Fox Smiled, Famished

Gather around.

Gather around the largest fire of all,
large enough to warm the lands
on the other side of the world,
to brighten all your moons.

My burning coat swells redder by the day.
My teeth are curls of flame, my tail a flare.
My tale? Come closer. Hear it.
Closer still — the ending is a secret.
Each of you will hear
as I whisper in your ear.
Other planets joined this circle before yours, yes.
I cannot fathom where they’ve gone.
Come closer yet and I’ll share my guess.
You’re practically standing on my nose,
basking in my boiling breath.

Let me pick you up, little world,
little pup in my jaws.