, A Flame Within Me Poem by Louise Tredoux

I have never known such a wonderful time
with Rudi’s presence burning like flame
within me, never felt so warm and glowing
continuously

This place he has built for me where I am free
to sing and dance for him, to express myself
without any fear of rejection, without shame
for being a human being

I used to try and become someone else, could
not live with myself, but Rudi created a space in
which the real me fits like a glove, I need not cut
off parts of myself, suppress my feelings

Ignore my passions and follow rules, I can live
rambunctiously, run when others are walking,
shout when others are whispering, jump when
others are kneeling

Sing the joyous refrains in my heart without crying
about death and destruction like the rest of the
world, safe and free with Rudi…