Poems from Elle's perspective

A flame

You burned bright in the early years,
with your constant chatter
and your passion for dinosaurs.

As I tucked you in bed,
my whispers of love
and hope and dreams
gently stoked the flame.

But bullying
and depression
smothered the flame,
and so did harsh words
and raised voices born of frustration,
until it was nothing more than embers, barely warm.

But I wrapped that ember
in 'I love you's,
and kept it safe.

My heart warms to see
that flame dancing again.


Free verse. Written 12 May 2022.