Ignite Renee Barke

Ignite

Watch me ignite. Emotions flare like the embers of a flame, yet when it falls, ashes remain. If only I could subside the turning of the tides; living in constant fear of this fire that pierces like a spear.

Watch me ignite. Everything seamless as fabric; my mind is constantly in havoc. Bend me, shape me; why can’t I just be? My vision blurred by orange and red; why can’t it all come to an end?

Watch me ignite. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust: emotions explode and I start to combust, no longer held by the fire I once desired. I am empty, a wired heart for a wired liar.

Watch me extinguish my flame; no longer mine— I arise like a phoenix; it’s finally time to shine. Watch me extinguish my flared vision gone, until I ignite again, another flame redrawn.

Renee Barke, Grade 11 Rochester STEM Academy, Rochester Teaching Artist: Frank Sentwali