Think what pains
a flame must endure:

trapped in a lantern

Inexorable gusts misshapes its form
like dead clay in uncaring hands -
pure self-found victim,
so surely estranged.

****** to winds and shimmers,
alone in the dark;
Bright auburn eyes that seek
stares itself apart.

A million souls to a flame
sharing warmth in vast night

each too blind to the others light.

and worst of all
they blame themselves,
Insecure and in doubt,
pretending they're alone.

Arrogance plays second to their
greatest offense -

ignoring love, their truest sin.