The * I Can't Have

I watch it every day,

A quiet reminder

Of what my heart still longs for.

"Be careful,"

My mind whispers.

"Don't let emotion steer the wheel."

"It's risky,"

It warns again,

As if I haven't heard before.

But haven't I taken risks before?

And yet,

Here I stand—

Safe,

Untouched,

Still wondering

What is worse:

To reach for the flame

And risk being burned,

Or to walk away

And spend a lifetime

Wondering what its warmth felt like?

The Want I Can't Have

I watch it every day,

A quiet reminder Of what my heart still longs for....