The flickering flame is like the burning of my heart.
Sometimes it flares up, generous and bright.
Sometimes it diminishes, cold and obscure.
Always, it has a steady burn at the core.
Engage the flame with care.
A cozy closeness brings warmth,
intrude on it's vitality and you'll get burned.
Stifle it, and you will surely see it's death.
--Kristi Miles (June 2005)