Flame of Hope

For a friend.

In spite of
all the darkness
there is light --
         a flickering flame
         burning hot
         desiring life
                   small but strong
                   not easily put out.

Its shadows dance
upon the walls,
as it flares up up,
         sizzling, defiant.
Other times
it flickers quietly
         smaller, almost completely still
         but definitely still there.

I can feel its heat
its passion
in addition to its pain.
And I can feel its strength
its will
in addition to its despair.

In spite of
all the darkness
there is light --
         a flickering flame
         burning hot
         desiring life
                   small but strong
                   not easily put out.