I have a fire blazing Deep in my heart like the beat of a war drum, Like thunder lurking behind serene skies— You can’t see it… But believe me, You will feel it. It’s that craving, That intensity, That relentless drive to finish what’s started. It doesn’t flicker when the winds blow— No. It rises even in the face of suffering. You see, I was born with this flame— But life? Life attempted to extinguish it. Tried to smother it with doubt, Drenched it in fear by the gallon. But I’m not easily extinguished. I’m made of kindling and fiery breath, Every “no” I’ve ever received Only ignites what remains. So let me share something— This fire within me? It doesn’t seek permission to blaze. It doesn’t wait for applause. It doesn’t mind if the world observes Or turns away in silence. Because passion doesn’t whisper— It bellows. It breaks through locked barriers. It dances barefoot on shattered ground And still craves more. This fire has been shaped In rejection, Honed in quiet moments, Sharpened by nights where dreams were my only companions. It’s not just talent. It’s not mere luck. It’s not destiny. It’s the decision to rise every day With your heart ablaze Like the entrance to your destiny. So don’t tell me to “calm down.” Don’t urge me to “be practical.” Because practicality never built rockets, Never penned poetry, Never illuminated the sky like a phoenix in flight. This is my flame. My purpose. My determination until my last breath. My reason to rise When gravity deceives And the world wants me to remain still. So if you notice smoke Emerging from my spirit— Let it rise. Let it flow. Just understand: This isn’t destruction. It’s ignition. ©️ James Michael 2025