Fire

It is a simple concept, though one so deep that few understand its true intentions. First, you must set a base, a place for it to grow and thrive despite the harsh environment that surrounds it. A simple spark, a look, a word, and you find yourself watching it grow into something beautiful. It embraces you with warmth when you are cold; with light when you are in the dark. It serves as a beacon, and others can see what you’ve built and watch it grow with you. Then it reaches its peak, and you stand back and see it burn brighter and warmer than ever. There are those who flock to your fire; they are jealous of what you have created. More arrive, and the surrounding environment becomes worse. They reach into your fire to light their own. It is no longer at its peak, but it is slowly dying. You watch helplessly as it burns dimmer, colder. Soon there is nothing. You are left with embers; small memories that tell the story of what once was.