Guarded Embers

What
People protect the most
Is their fire —
Deep inside — hidden
Even from themselves
Burning —
Just enough — only enough —
For themselves
To keep them
Walking — half asleep
Zombies

Rightfully —
Naturally — people protect
Their fire, their hearths
Even hide it —
To uncover it
To stoke it —
Is to be consumed
Is to radiate — heat
Warmth —
Light

Who wants —
Truly wants
To be lit —
Awake