Unseen Fire

I'd lit it hours ago, a small bright plea,

before the news, before the lights went out.

Forgot it then, just let it be,

and slept, no worries, no deep doubt.

But coming back, to make a cup of tea,

the house all dark, a hush profound,

I saw the flicker, just for me,

no other movement, not a sound.

It burned so steady, small and slow,

a lonely sentinel, so brave.

Casting shadows, high and low,

across the chair, the letters grave.

An ember of a thought, left there to wait,

while all the world had gone to sleep.

Just burning on, against all fate,

its quiet promises to keep.