burn for myself

I’m tired of hiding,
of trying to cover up the parts of me
that express who I am.
I no longer want to be
always searching for the appropriate mold
for each situation
and contort to fit into it.

For too long
I’ve melted my wax body into a glass jar
so someone else can light the wick
enjoy the scent I burn.

Now, I burn for myself.

punishing fire

Can I offer enough forgiveness
to my past self, to you,
to erase the pain, the confusion, the betrayal,
burning from your eyes
into mine, that night?
Your eyes burn into mine, still,
whenever I think of you.
That fire is the first thing I see,
still feel.

If I’m meant to feel that fire forever,
a hard punishment it would be.
Hard, and justified.

passing the light

You ran away with my light
hours away
into a thick, dark forest
where I could not trace you.

Then, you gave it to him
so I could chase after him instead,
who held it for mere minutes
before passing it on again.

Now, my light is constant
burning bright through the night
amidst occasional flickers,
like lights do.

Where is your light now,
who does it burn for?