In Robert R. McCammon's novel "Swan Song," the President of the United States experiences a reflective moment while lighting his pipe. He finds himself captivated by the flame's vivid colors, and this fascination sparks a profound vision of destruction. He imagines a towering inferno, sweeping across the nation he holds dear, igniting cities and evaporating rivers, ultimately leaving devastation in its wake.

This imagery illustrates a complex relationship with fire, symbolizing both beauty and chaos. The President's internal struggle represents a greater theme of loss and the destructive potential of power, capturing the fragile balance between creation and annihilation that looms over humanity.