I carry a tiny flame
Bright and fierce
Singeing the corners of my heart
Burning and burning

My flame grows brighter
And bigger each day
A simple smile or glance
Fuels the fire that burns within

I douse this flame
With the waters of
Reason, doubt
And shame

The flame stops growing
Reduced to the same tiny light
Day in and day out
Never scorching my soul

Day after day I douse the fire
But it keeps coming back
Returning to the same bright
And fierce flame it always is

One day, that pure smile
Those playful eyes
And that endearing glance
Set the flame out of control

And I let it burn