Fire and the Child

T. Heath

Her warmth was seen by all
but none could touch her glowing soul

Not heeding warning,trusting blindly 

As a child, she ignored caution

And now she knows the dangers well

Her scars will tell of why she's cold


-----------------------------
The flames draw her in
Bold in color
Dancing, flickering 
What is this power?

This seduction
This defiance 
This mystery

Beautifully warming her soul
She gazes, eyes widened at the depth

Stretching her small hands nearby for warmth

Bringing life to her dank paw
The fire feels safe
Inviting
Good

She leans closer 
Mesmerized by the blaze 
Transfixing her

Curiously watching the light
She smiles at its energy

Her palm draws closer
The interest of this unknown
Convinces her of its safety 

What happiness this discovery lends

Her small fingers elevated 
As she delights in her new found friend

She touches the flame
--
And yelps!
--
Tears streaming down her face
Her curious fingers stung by innocence 

Changing direction
Opposite of the flames 
She escapes the panic 

Red and inflamed
She howls in pain and sadness

Fingers seared and bubbling
She cries out for her mother
To soothe and mend her injured hand

Into her mothers arms she runs
Comforting her trepidation

Cooling her daughters incinerations
The mother warns again

"Do not touch fire, child. It WILL burn you. Ouch!"

The child nods 
Understanding now the danger
The fear and terror

Of befriending the bad inferno

Will she play with fire again?

No
Her scars will remind her well













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Walls

These walls. Built by man. In response to the shame and rejection we feel.

Were built to redeem us, but keep us captive to doctrine instead.

Protect us from evil but leave the rest of the world outside, dying alone.

Unite us, but divide from showing love to our neighbor.

Teach forgiveness, as we judge the world.

Are dangerous in the safety of man's interpretations.

What if the walls were torn down? Would we still meet? Would we still believe? If there were no divisions. Where everyone is invited into the family. 

One big family reunion.

Perhaps in heaven one day.