Flame

you grew into something unrecognizable

uncontrollable, an inferno

capable of killing, yet slave to a drop

you promised protection

hazing intentions to destroy

giving warmth before pain

illuming the path obscured

reflecting and reflective of...something illusory

not the truth

at the beginning, I could have ended it with one breath:

"goodbye"

yet, transfixed, inhaled smoke

warmed for the small price of my oxygen