Core Temperature

This is like dipping your toes in a hot bath.
Inch by inch, I’m easing my way in
To water which feels like embers on my skin.

This is like burning your hand on kettle steam.
It doesn’t seem to hurt that much, initially,
but then that stinging feeling grabs on to me.

This is like an ice cube from the freezer.
Stuck hard fast and cold to my fingertip.
If I pull too hard on you, I think my skin will rip

This is like a lesson in basic chemistry.
If I turn you up or cool you down
You might burn off, or I might drown