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Flame MAG

December 1, 2008
By Anonymous

I watch this flame pass
from match to wick,
gently stepping over
a great divide.
This flame and I
are not so different:
it comes into being from nothingness;
it eats and grows, smokes, and rests.
It gets angry,
destroys homes,
consumes flesh.
Sated, it becomes calm,
retreats into coals,
smoldering through the night.
Domesticated
by a piece of string,
it makes its home in a cave of wax.
It chases the shadows away
and stands watch through the night.
It sways
and dances in the darkness
before it is extinguished
in the blink
of an eye.

© Anonymous

The author's comments:
What inspired me to write this was: my life resembles a candle light. Bright at times, then it completely turns around and I feel dark, sad, and abandoned. I hope whoever reads this will feel what I felt, and not judge, but understand. Thank you.
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This article has 293 comments.

loseig GOLD said...
on Jun. 28 2012 at 2:19 pm
loseig GOLD, Naperville, Illinois
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Great work! I totally understand and this poem was written fantastically! 
dragon1572 said...
on Jun. 6 2012 at 10:44 pm
dragon1572, North Dighton, Massachusetts
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Amazing poem, imagery and description was great and through this each reader can relate it to his/her own personal experience. Great work.
The-Silent-Call BRONZE said...
on Jun. 6 2012 at 9:59 pm
The-Silent-Call BRONZE, Cincinnati, Ohio
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I love the reference to the controlled haven of the candle wick, to the burning down of homes. There is such a large definition of fire, but I believe you potrayed it quite well!
Two of Tow said...
on May. 24 2012 at 1:38 pm
Read Farenheit 451
Two of Tow said...
on May. 24 2012 at 1:38 pm
Read Farenheit 451
KelliB GOLD said...
on May. 15 2012 at 11:28 am
KelliB GOLD, Amarillo, Texas
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I understand. NO judgement here. Great job!
pianokeysevie SILVER said...
on May. 15 2012 at 9:18 am
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i would have said the same if this was any longer, but i liked the length.. i didn't find it boring
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on Apr. 23 2012 at 7:35 pm
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I loved it! You did a wonderful job! =)
satellite23 GOLD said...
on Apr. 23 2012 at 6:59 pm
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Very desciptive, but a bit cliche and boring.
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on Apr. 23 2012 at 2:43 pm
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Brilliant.
Whitney Smith BRONZE said...
on Apr. 23 2012 at 1:13 pm
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I thought the context was very well written. The word usage was very good and it was also very descriptive.
lonleygal said...
on Apr. 23 2012 at 11:07 am
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there are so many times i feel the same way I love how you are not afraid to let your feelings out
Indilove GOLD said...
on Apr. 23 2012 at 7:57 am
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Great visualization Great description Great overall work VERY well done!!!!
logo1234 BRONZE said...
on Apr. 18 2012 at 11:02 pm
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I really like how you related yourself to the flames. Very good description, made it easy to visualize in my head.  I definitely feel that it resembles a candle, bright one second and gone the next.
Light_Walker SILVER said...
on Apr. 12 2012 at 7:19 am
Light_Walker SILVER, Lafayette, Indiana
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I have felt the same. You have captured how many people feel in their life perfectly. I hope your flame will burn forever bright!
Lola_Black GOLD said...
on Apr. 3 2012 at 6:31 pm
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I understand.
DanielleD BRONZE said...
on Apr. 1 2012 at 5:57 pm
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This poem is beautiful and well written. I'd love if you would check out some of my work too! :-)

TeenInk.com/poetry/free_verse/article/443185/A-House-Divided/

dragonfly95 SILVER said...
on Apr. 1 2012 at 10:03 am
dragonfly95 SILVER, Argaon, Georgia
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this beatifuly written...i am sorry for the pain you have felt and expressed in this poem...very well expressed, please check out my work sometime.thanks!
beautifulspirit PLATINUM said...
on Apr. 1 2012 at 9:54 am
beautifulspirit PLATINUM, Alpharetta, Georgia
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I like this piece---the idea of the speaker finding resemblance with a natural element, such as water or fire attracts my attention. Usually, when fire is introduced in a poem it is associated with destruction or ot of control. This was not the case, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised.
GittaR GOLD said...
on Apr. 1 2012 at 4:55 am
GittaR GOLD, Ararat, Other
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I don't judge, I understand completly and as I read that poem my own memories....which I am sure are similiar to yours burned through. This is an amazing piece, I totally get it.