hidden under the ash
but still retaining warmth

every once in awhile
you come around
and stoke the remains of the fire
allowing oxygen in
providing fuel
and the coals begin to breathe again

the orange glow becomes brighter
radiating
gaining strength
illuminating some of the dark

i'm conscious enough
to recognize the familiar surge
and not become consumed
but seemingly powerless
to ever extinguish it

what will it take
for the glow to fade
for the embers to cool
for the fire to go out