They took my soul in bits and crumbs, While I gave fire, stars, and drums. I laid my heart out, bold and bare, But they just touched it here and there. They whispered love when no one saw, But hid their hands in public's law. A ghost of us behind closed doors, But silence echoed in the stores. I gave them all—my breath, my light, My softness, storms, my sleepless nights. But all they offered in return Were little sparks that couldn’t burn. Was I too much? Was I too loud? Was I too bright for their small crowd? Did my devotion scare their skin, Or was their heart too thin, too thin? They smiled, then shrank, then pulled away, And left me aching every day. To want me quiet, dimmed, and small— To want my half, not me at all. But I have learned, through tears I've cried, That love is not what’s kept and tied. Real love stands tall, it does not hide— It meets your soul and walks beside. So no, I won’t be tucked away, A secret heart for rainy days. I want a love that sings out loud, That holds my hand among the crowd. I’m done with begging just to be A full moon loved half-heartedly. I rise, I shine, I own my name— And I will never love the same. For I am fire, fierce and wide— Not meant to burn where I must hide. I’ll wait for one who stands in sun, Who says, “I see you,” and won’t run.