Flame Tree
Burn—burn, burn, burn.
For our sisters and your
Brothers.
Burn red with passion to
Wrestle with injustice
And prepare for controversy’s
Flames to confront us.
Burn-burn, burn, burn.
For your mothers and your
Fathers.
Who have struggled through
Structured cruelty.
Resistant yet hesitant towards
Sinful brutality.
Burn—burn, burn, burn.
For the unresolved future of
Your lovers
And for the unprotected
Destiny of others.
Burn—burn, burn, burn.
With your mind and heart
Ignited with compassion’s
Warmth
And sincere love and
Benevolence placed forth.
Burn—burn, burn, burn.
Armageddon.
And when the Atlantic rises
Clashing with the Horizons
With terror, I will search for You
And when the Ring blushes a bloody hue
Clashing with the Pacific’s neverending blue
With uncertainty, I will search for You
And when Bennu finally reaches our shore
Clashing its wings with Earth’s burning core
With wonder, I will search for You
You, Time—the embodiment of unattainable mercy
With law and nature tattooed.
You, Time—my personal legacy.
With desperate devotion, I will seek more of You.
About the Artist
Jerielle Francisco, a Filipino student, was born in the busy city of San Jose and later moved to the peaceful small island of Saipan. For nine years, Jerielle has resided on a twelve-mile island smaller than most universities, a haven filled with many cultures, connections, and natural beauty.
Saipan truly helped Jerielle appreciate Earth's beauty, adore different cultures, and understand the life triumphs and struggles of others. It was also a place that helped her discover hobbies and long-term passions. These include studying to become a Human Resource Manager while crocheting and watching films.
Jerielle is pursuing an AS-T in Business Administration with the goal of transferring to a four-year institution. A majority of her classes involve economics, business law, and business math.