Chalice or flame?

Is it a chalice,
or are these the flames?
What is it that demands
we step into the fire
in order that we may become
a vessel of hope?
What demons lurk
beneath the deep and troubled past
and must be brought
into the light?
Their watching eyes devour all
until we take the time
to notice;
until we give up hope
of ever creating
anything of value
and toss ourselves into the blaze
trusting that what emerges
from the burning, and the ashes
will light the way
for someone else's journey.


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