Peeling Away

It's deeper than skindeep
though its skin is peeling.
It's my sacred sanctuary,
though its tapestries are scorched.
It's never been sparked like this 
though my ardor goes unheeded.

What resides in my chest
is swollen
and try as I may get it back
is stolen.

Why?
  With tears popping at seams
            the fire of passion gleams
                peeling away at my heart's walls
                    drifting ashes- down- down- like
                        little white leaves, it stays and 
                          smolders