Flame

a little flame  

burned inside her 

kept alive through generations 

ready to be admired 

for all to see 

but she kept it hidden 

for others expected darkness 

she followed the crowd 

stepping on the flame 

reducing it to a spark 

then one day 

she let it be 

let it grow  

into a fire 

everywhere she went 

she spread her fire 

to everyone she met  

a wildfire spread 

burning inside others like her 

on full display 

for all to see 

** Honorable Mention 2021**