Our lives are likened to a flame
It starts off little and shaky but it catches on and it grows in strength and brightness.
As did My flame
It was bright and strong
It had purpose
It guided others
It was useful
Now it is no longer needed
Others flames are brighter
Stronger
They do not rely on my light any longer
My flame searches
For purpose
For meaning
Afraid of sputtering
Dying out
My flame bends but no longer dances
Ashamed
It\'s beauty
Dimished
Dulled
Not ready to flicker and die
Threatened to be lost in the loss of self
Where once my flame
Led,
Was admired
Respected
It now wanes utilitarian
To be used for the mundane
Unnoticed
Taken for granted
Caught on the gossamer edge
Of flicker and fade
To burn quiet and lost
Or
To rage as an inferno
A fading flame does not guide,
Inspire
Have purpose
A raging inferno
Consumes
Destroys
The fading flame is smothered under the guise of caring for it
Of protecting it
When it quietly yearns for the air that will feed it