Relish the Flame

Written for Missy's "Not me, Not I" competition

Head tucked and eyes diverted
When a compliment is paid
Your heart once erupting
Now extinguished and frayed

Into your shell you retreat
Shutting out the world
Putting on the facade
You slowly become unfurled

That you could only see
The glorious being you are
To once again rejoice
And rise above the mar

To see you smile
And relish in the flame
Your heart does radiate
Discarding all the shame.