Little Light of Mine

You are

Such a bright thing

In my darkness

I want to hold you close
To keep your flame from being snuffed out
By the cold breath of my hollow soul

But if I do so
You will never be able to fully illuminate the caverns within me
That are desperately searching for your warmth

Can I risk allowing you to see more of within
Letting you gaze from my outstretched hand
Or will it be too much?
I worry that my frigid blackness will dim your luminosity
Until it is no more

I cannot be without your light
For I have become used to the way
That my memories dance around
Like shadows on the walls
Instead of hiding unseen
Becoming one with the night

Your flame enables me to dig deeper
And find the parts of me that I could not before
Bit by bit
I discover beauty within myself I did not know I had
Perhaps someday you will guide me out of this place
Of emptiness and fear

But for now

You keep me warm

And give me the hope

Of a someday

please stay

-j.p