SILENT BURN

We humans are candles, born with fire in our chest, wax in our bones,

and a purpose to shine.

But how often do we dim ourselves,

snuff out our own flame just so someone else’s glow feels brighter?

How often do we melt quietly in corners,

giving away pieces of who we are,

until nothing of us remains but smoke?

We learn early:

be small so others can be big,

be quiet so others can speak,

be less so others can be more.

And like candles, we burn down without protest, celebrated for sacrifice,

but forgotten in ashes.

The truth is...

your light was never meant to put out mine, and my fire was never meant

to dim yours.

The sky is wide enough for every star,

the night deep enough for every flame.

So stop burying your glow to make someone else comfortable.

Shine, even if it unsettles them.

Burn, even if it blinds them.

Because the world is darker each time a soul surrenders its spark.

And one day, when our wax is gone,

may we not say,

“I lived extinguished,” but rather,

“I burned true, and I left light behind.”

© GrEaTnEsS 🦁