This poem I wrote for my friend. A friend who shared with me a most beautiful love letter. A friend who has lost so much. A friend I love.
I think of my mother so much this time of year, and this is so true for her too and I thought of her too, very much, when I wrote it. Happy Mother’s Day mom. I sure love you!
Keeper of the Flame
I’m the keeper of the flame, your flame, you left it here in me
So in your great big steps before, like you, I’ll try to be
You’ve been gone so long it feels, and yet moments only it seems
But you visit me, you whisper to me, and I feel you in my dreams
It’s hard to make the world remember, and I worry they will forget
and how am I to share your stories with those, you never met?
I try so hard and sometimes fail the flame it flickers black
Then I stoke it with your love, and mine, and the flame comes quickly back
Often in my quiet moments the flame it burns so strong
So I hide, and hover, tears on my cheeks, knowing I must be strong
For to your ash I cannot turn, for others still need me
And all this need I have for you, is that not what God did see?
But I tuck your flame in close to my heart and weather the angry storm
For it’s there I need your warmth the most, It’s there the flame was born
You passed to me a love so great and gave the best pieces of you
I’m thankful for those, and the flame I bear, but I miss you and it’s heavy too
Now I’m left reflecting on this very flame and the legacy left behind
The obligation you left for me, although it sometimes feels unkind
I know I’m left to share your tales and help our family to see
The fire that you left behind will always burn in me
I hope your heart swells with joy, my gift to you each day
That I share with others when I can, the kindness you gave away
I hope you feel proud of who I’ve become since you left your fire with me
You walked here first, I follow now, like you I hope to be
I’m the keeper of the flame, your flame, I’ll keep it burning bright
For you, for them, and too often now because I need your light
My love for you will never go out and all will know your name
Because for you, I now know my place, I’m the keeper of the flame