Fire that did not eat its fuel—blazing, steady, impossible.
Moses stops.
The wilderness holds its breath.
From the flame, a voice: Take off your sandals.
This ground is holy.
Not a spectacle.
A summons.
I have seen the suffering.
Go—return to Egypt.
Face the throne you fled.
He trembles, protests, is answered: I will be with you.
Hidden shepherd becomes chosen messenger.
His life ignites, and empire is put on notice.