FLAME

A little flame flickers atop
Layers of ivory icing and ebony chocolate while
Giddy smiles and songs commemorate
Six years.

A growing flame gnaws on firewood as
The glass jar of coins grows continually emptier
Frigid air and no food but the glass is still
Half full.

A streak of flame with a gunshot amidst
Air laden with unaddressed tension and hate with
Violence brimming to the point of
Necessary release.

A burst of flame as another bomb lands amongst
A plethora of drills, tears, and childhoods massacred while
Terror displaces authority in the name of
Religion and rights.

A feeble flame burning on a trembling torch as
Miles of walking through the dark night towards freedom
Slowly beat down the soles of her little feet and
Resilient heart.

A renewed flame within her soul when
A land of safety is attained and the danger disintegrates with
Simply memories of home and the past and
Childhood restored.

Simply memories of home and the past and/ Childhood restored.