Paul Weinman

EVERY LAST COAL

Men generally piss on their fires.
Sure, they could throw lake's water
or empty out canteens for safety's sake.
Even the stale beer from last night
but no, there's  something about standing
pants unzipped in masculine display
of power with that full stream from hose
that satisfaction of extinguishing
what had been so warm, bright, sparks
watched spiralling into the black -
spitting ... hearing that sizzle.
Now, carefully spraying every last coal
until only a smelly smoke rises.
Girl friends might giggle, but ask why.
Wives have, or are just beginning to learn
that generally, men piss on their fires.