The First Flame

The First Flame

I met you first,

before you learned how to run,

before you learned to hide your heart

behind the safest one.

You looked at me like I was

something you didn’t deserve,

so you built yourself a distance,

and you called it “what I prefer.”

But I saw you shake,

I saw the walls that you rehearsed.

You said you wanted simple—

but you wanted me first.

⸻

And I know you felt something

you didn’t wanna admit,

so you went where you could disappear

and not feel any of it.

⸻

’Cause I was the first flame

you didn’t know how to hold,

the fire that warmed you

and scared you down to your soul.

You ran to the quiet

’cause what we had was too real,

but you still look at me like

you remember how it feels.

You can hide in the shadows,

but your heart don’t forget—

I was the first flame

you were terrified to let in.

⸻

You chose the numb,

you chose the easy escape,

but you still keep my memory

tucked in the safest place.

You loved him softer

’cause he never made you grow,

you loved me harder

’cause you felt it in your bones.

But I’m done trying

to be the truth you deny,

I’ll let the fire fade slow

but it won’t ever fully die.

⸻

And maybe in another life

you wouldn’t run from me,

maybe your heart would be ready

for the love you couldn’t see.

But in this one I’m standing

with the ashes in my hands,

burned by the story

that never got a chance.

⸻

’Cause I was the first flame

you ever tried to fight,

the heat that scared you

’cause it felt too right.

You chased the quiet,

but your soul knows the truth—

the fire you ran from

was always you and me, love.

You can hide in the shadows,

you can drown in pretend—

but I was the first flame

you’ll feel until the end.