Fascinated by
the flicker
the glow
the way the color
from blue to gold
does flow – 
a child spends hours
gazing into the light. 
So simple.
So innocent.
So pure.
But since I’ve seen it before
thousands of times
and know it has not changed
I extinguish the flame
unconsciously 
each night
so I can rest my weary head.
I am simply too tired 
to gaze into the light.