Slow Burn

No explosion of passion to mark its birthing.
No frenzy and flash as it consumes all in its path.
No desperate clinging as it resists the finale.
No wild prairie wind to make it race against the sky.
No dry brittle grass to feed its flame and intensity.
No suffocating smoke turning everything to ash.

This fire that was started by an unintended spark
Was deliberately banked and covered to put out,
But continued to smolder deep down in the heart
Until one day a whisper rose up from the ash
And steadily grew to a simple campfire.
No flash, no greed, no desire to consume,
Only a simple warming camp light,
Destructive element tamed now by love.
Learning to accept its life as it burns
Here only to give, and then to go out.

01/09/09