Forbidden Flame Poem by Mariann Gentile

A spark ignites within me, setting my heart ablaze,
And I no longer can pretend, that this is just a phase.
Flames threaten to engulf me, every time I see you face,
And every time I hear your voice, my heart begins to race.

Do you even realize that, my heart beats just for you,
I wonder if the flame in me, burns inside you too?
But it's just an illusion that, you might too feel for me,
Cause your heart burns for someone else, and she is all you see.

This flame keeps burning brighter, but it must be concealed,
I know that I must hide from you, exactly how I feel.
And yet it still burns brighter, roasting me inside,
And it's a miracle to me, that I am still alive.

This fire keeps on burning me, I'm getting short of breath,
Somehow I must survive the flame, with what strength I have left.
I must keep fighting even though, it burns me through and through,
Because I know if it gets out, this flame will roast you too.

I will not let you feel this pain, won't let you be alarmed.
I take this suffering on my own, so you remain unharmed.
I pray someday soon that I, can let my feelings show,
And only then this hidden flame, can warmly, freely glow.