Little Flame

I lit a candle in the wind

By the beach

The spray of every crashing wave

And the breath of every breeze

Threatening the love aflame.

I curl a hand around the wick

Afraid but still walking forward

Into the sand

Into the darkness of the night

That reveals nothing.

Hopeful that the fire will live.

But every grain beneath my soles

Quivers and nearly slips away

You stand not twenty paces out

Holding an empty lamp and oil

To protect and nourish my light.

There is nothing more I desire

Than for you to crave this too

To feel empty in your chest

And untethered to the earth

Without me in your arms.

Hopeful that your fire will live.

I cry out into the wind

The candle clutched to my chest

Wax pooling down my palms

Burning and blistering and bubbling

And still I offer safe harbor.

Your smile makes the flame waver

My heart follows suit

Lungs compressed and narrowed

But I risk the journey

To you.

Hopeful that our fire will live.