Burning.
You stare me down with fiery eyes,
Anticipating my rapid approach.
Time is winding up,
And things are beginning to get serious.
“Enjoy every minute while it lasts,” they said
Of course I didn’t listen.
Fear, glaring in the distance,
Causes my body to tremble.
I could hold on to the ashes of what used to be,
Only to be driven mad.
I’m searching for my wings,
But there is no wind beneath me.
Most of the time, I feel too much,
So I try not to feel at all.
“Feel…feel…What a profound word.
I feel your ember scouting after my presence.
A fragile spark, with threads intertwined,
Crackles with tension.
I’m consuming your heat, turning my hopes to dust. Bittersweet.
At last, I made it through the flames.
I rise.
I ignite.
“Wait. It’s too hot, I can't do this.”
I thirst for freedom, I’m drenched by reality.
My name is Kennadi Walker & my poem, "Burning," was inspired by the strong feelings that come with personal change and growth. The fire imagery represents both destruction and rebirth, mirroring my own experiences of overcoming challenges. I wrote this poem by letting my emotions flow freely at first, which helped me create strong images that captured the intensity of my feelings. In this piece, I used literary devices like metaphors and personification to bring the poem to life. For example, phrases like "fiery eyes" and "ember" illustrate the inner struggles we face. I explored themes of fear, strength, and the search for freedom, reflecting the hard work it takes to confront personal issues while aiming for a better life. As a writer, I aim to reveal the raw emotions that impact our lives, using poetry to promote healing and understanding.