Poetry of Life

The Fiery Flame (Part 2)

Along the darkened path of life, 

I found a match of great delight. 

I held it gently in my hands, 

Then stuck it quickly, giving light. 

The flame was large, beyond degree, 

Filling me with awe and fright.

I cupped the flame to keep it lit,

But watched it dwindle in my sight.

As it consumed the wooden stick,

The heat soon changed to searing pain.

I would not drop the precious flame. 

And knew we'd burn ourselves away.

I sought out others for advice,

To keep the flame from going out.

I gave it fuel to burn once more,

That it should fail, I did not doubt.

I coaxed the embers, fanned the flames, 

And soon it burned for all to see.

The flame, it was, yet not the same,

Then something changed, in it and me.

The flame consumed my very soul,

And cleansed me in its own pure light.

The boy I was had burned away, 

Thus making me a different sight.

I touched the earth and heard her voice,

She whispered to me; knew my name.

"Dear child, don't weep; those deeds are done",

"Your life now burns within my flame".

"I've placed my trust within you now",

"Protect me as you would your life".

I rose up, then, and dried my eyes.

I vowed to change a world of strife.

Some people changed, one at a time,

Though most refused to change their ways.

I never faltered; never failed,

My flame burned brightly all my days.