To grow and survive, to be still and die.

The words flew and the ideas ran,
The feelings soared and the mind drank.
Fires ablaze consumed the wondering soul,
Its screams for help went unheeded.
The pain and the pride walked down the path,
Lashing out, even at the fire itself.
Tears of rage, vengeance was called.
Down with the flames!

Away was that sent that soul,
Into the lonely abyss of silence.
Anger fuelled the words,
Confusion fed the pain.
Time past and the scars healed,
Soothing words, and apologises appealed.
He grew, he saw and he understood.
When the flames are bright, and the heat intense
Doth you blame the fire for the burn?
Attack the blade for the cut?
Caution and temptation going hand in hand,
Leading the soul to choices which must be made.

To grow and to learn,
To listen and to hear,
And to look and to see.

To view but not understand,
To stand unmoving,
To close ears against the voices.

Which path will you take?
I have chosen,
And will one day see you down that path.
Burnt and scared, battered and bruised, tired and hungry
Unbroken skin with perfect hair, a blissful soul with solid beliefs, unbreakable strength with unending reserves.

Who saw more?
Who understands more?
Who made mistakes more?