Once the lantern burned above the cedars
a single flame teaching the night
how to breathe between clouds and water
it was meant for travelers
a whisper through the fog of living
a lesson in not losing the way

But I impatient to serve
mistook the light for my own pulse
I carried it down the slopes
pressing it against my ribs
as though a heart could steady a storm
better than silence and stone

The wind found me easily
as it always finds those who offer warmth
it kissed me into embers
left my palms blistered with longing
my chest an altar to mistaken kindness

How foolish to think the body
could be the lantern
that blood could replace oil
that tenderness could burn forever
without the calm of the wicks knowing

Now I bow to the mountain
whose patience never spoke of blame
it merely kept its height
watching my small fire wander
watching the lost pass by untouched

Each bruise on me remembers a ship
that shattered where I should have shone
each scar a wave that mistook my warmth
for safe harbor
forgive me wind
for confusing mercy with martyrdom

Tonight I return the flame
to its stone cradle above the trees
let it hum for those still searching
I will tend it with breath not body
and learn at last
to be the keeper not the fire

Forgive me mountain
for I tried to love by burning
forgive me sea
for I mistook ruin for grace
forgive me self
for taking so long to see
that light was not meant to be pain