The fire, the lamp, and I, were alone together

The fire, the lamp, and I, were alone together.
Out in the street it was wild and windy weather.

The fire said, "Once I lived, and now I shine.
I was a wood once, and the wind was mine."

The lamp said, "Once I lived and was the Sun.
The fire and I, in those old days, were one."

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.

I go