Frozen Flames

words by Avery Carlson, art by Justina Lu

Fire is cold. Wild statement, I know. But I believe it. Let me tell you how:

Fire is destructive.

While its flames are scorching, the thought of Fire gives you chills when you think about the power it holds. It does not discriminate, it is like death with its cold embrace. Everyone suffers at the hand of the flame.

Fire is punishment.

Witch burnings, brandings, immolation. These punishments only last as long as a spark, but leave behind a lingering pain. Like an icicle stabbed into the soul, it will take time to melt and the Fire will leave behind a scar–a snow white line that stands out against pale flesh. 

Fire is demanding.

It consumes all without mercy. Some would call it cruel. Often a dark villain in our stories, it brings its pain and we are left with the fragile aftermath. It makes us reflect upon ourselves, an icy mirror. The weight of what once was sits heavy on our shoulders, settles in our souls among the ashes.

Fire is numbing.

Third-degree burns give you shivers–the kind you feel during a cold plunge. Where your body feels as though it is encased in a pocket of air being perforated by frigid molecules. You are so separate from everything else, yet you are surrounded by the “everything else” and you know you have moments before you’re drowning in a recently thawed spring.

Fire is controlling.

An intentional forest Fire is mandated by humans. Cold calculations put into place, an aluminum canister carrying out strict orders to begin the burn. Fire consumes the dead wood, encasing the forest in smoke.

While sparks destroy part of the forest, the Fire also gives way to more life. The burning leads to revitalization, prosperity, a seed.

Like a phoenix, the forest can rise from the cool ashes.

Fire is passionate.

Fire makes a statement. It is direct and bold, quickly spreading and melting all around it. It leaves behind a dripping heart, previously encased in ice, barred from feelings of care and warm spirits.

But does passion not burn bright? As ice expands, can Fire not grow? When we love, we love fiercely. Fire can be a strong, steady heartbeat.

A spark carefully attended to can become a raging flame. 

I still think Fire is cold.

It bites and howls and is as menacing as ice.

It also melts and dances and is as determined as a freeze.

In the end, are they so different? Fire and ice?

They both give life, they both take life.

If Fire can be cold, then Ice can be heat.