The Poet's voice carried a hint of a smile, "Do you understand now?"
The stranger nodded, half-comprehending.
"As long as there is someone who can read this book, you are not truly dead. And when I record my story within it, I will, like you, gain eternal life.
I will die, but I will also live, living within the heart of every reader, guided by them to the distant future."
A hateful smile appeared on the face within the flames as he affirmed everything about the stranger, speaking like a chant.
"Unbound, eternal circulation."
The stranger responded, words like a child's dream-talk.
"Endless poetry."
A raging fire erupted from the Poet, scorching the earth, climbing up to the roof, in an instant devouring everything inside, dragging the entire house into the flames, transforming into a soaring torch, illuminating the village and the mountains.
"Now you are a Poet too."
The figure in the flames collapsed and was extinguished, turning into ashes with smoldering embers.
