i've been having dreams,
every one incorporating fire.
whether it be us sitting by the fire,
the flame of a birthday candle,
or the flame lighting the fireworks.

but lately, it seems,
the fires are not as bright.
the fire no longer keeps us warm,
the flame of the birthday candle is blown out,
the flame lights the fireworks putting on a brilliant, beautiful show.

all these are sad at first glance,
but they mean so much more.
after the fire burns out, we go in and go to bed.
after the candle is blown out, the phone is moved from view and the child is smiling with you kissing their head.
after the fireworks go off, we sit there holding hands, about to lean in and kiss on the fourth of july.

fire can be destructive,
it can bring damage that is unrepairable.
fire can be beautiful,
it has so much more meaning than you think.

you light the fire inside of me,
and that is one fire that will never burn out.