Vickie

The Aging Flame

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