absolution

I strike a match and play a smile,
for thoughts of domesticated fire
provoke both guilt and guile.

The flame's verdict deems me liar,
sighting the times I dabbled gray;
evidence compiled with hot conviction
leaves me troubled, wont to stay.

My hands are red, they held the gun,
they worked the worries now alight.
And my veils, transparent, only fade,
as the photo burns; sacrilegious sight.

This last remnant proves I once strayed,
holds the history stricken from record.
And now that its gone, my qualms are cured,
my sins forgiven, my promises paid.