you saw right through me, like a flame to a thin sheet of paper

you got close,
and I was afraid to catch fire

but your flames only ever served to bring me warmth

you saw me for who I was,
and refused to believe in the monster I convinced myself to be.

I see now,
love is a fragrant flame that only ever burns when you get too close

a cool breeze can make it stronger,
and a strong wind will put it out

I ask that we weather the winds together,
and put our hands over the flame when it gets too much

and if we should burn,

I ask that we burn together

and let our ashes go with the winds that seek to strengthen what we had.