Poem 97 (The fire said, "Once I lived…)

The fire said, "Once I lived and saw the Spring. I die in smoke to warm this mortal thing."

The lamp said, "I was once alive and free. In smoke I die to let this mortal see."

Then I remembered all the beasts that died That I might eat and might be satisfied.

Then I remembered how my feet were shod, Thought of the myriad lives on which I trod,

And sighed to feel that as I went my way, I was a murderer ninety times a day.