Contained

I carry within me
this ember
the shadow of a flame
waiting, burning, wanting

Warming my limbs
fuelling my heart
burning my skin
scorching my touch

I try to hold it close
as above me
the sky sobs and wails like a mother
over the corpse of her child

When it's close, I lament the pain
When it's far, I long for its warmth
Often on nights like these
I wonder why

I fear it will set the world ablaze.