You are a child, &

You are a child,

            and darkness is all you know. All you have in this world are the earth's

            teeth that you cling to in your sleep, and a candle on your bedside.

            The flame dances in the air, and it tickles your ribs like feathers

            how could such a light thing burn? you wonder.

            you give it a name, hope.

           you wear it's name like red paint on a wooden door.

           you become what shadows fear.

You are a child,

           and sometimes you don't know why you should go on.

           The world has swallowed you up and abandoned you in its caverns.

           Who dares to look for you here?

           Fingers clasped together, you call for deaf ears to hear you.

           You say hope like a prayer.

           The candle still burns, even though you no longer see it.

           You feel the feathers catch fire but they don't turn into ash.

You are on the cusp of adulthood,

           and you've poured oil into a lantern, it lights the moment it touches your hand.

           you don't think you are ready to navigate the labyrinth, but you do.

           you think of the hope sheltering your heart.

           you have nothing to pack so you don't, but you do say goodbye.

           press three fingers to your lips to kiss the darkness which binds you,

           for the hope in your heart is there, and it is all you need.

                

This poem is about: 
Me
Poetry Terms Demonstrated: 

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