Burning Brightly

A self-metaphor. The first piece I am posting on this website so feedback is more than appreciated.

I am an incandescent light bulb; coated in a glass that appears to shine with an innocent perfection. Don’t let this exterior fool you; the glass produces a façade of strength and flawlessness. I’m attached to the preconceptions of intelligence and innovation. The truth that lies beneath the inaccuracy of those associations is an electric thinking power. A current of thoughts race through my core at the speed of light, so quickly that it forms light and creativity. Only a few individuals take the time to study the theories and ideologies behind the mechanics; and only a few, if any, truly understand the complexity. My emotions, controlled by a simple switch, have two states; on and off. When I’m on, I radiate. Positivity and excitement shine through, encouraging and guiding others. This electrical energy, rooted in my core, can be transferred into many different types of energy. The go-getter, kinetic energy ignites an attitude that openly accepts challenges and opportunities, craves action and change, and is willing to commit to hard work. The ambitious, potential energy is stored almost secretively, deep within my motivation and will power. When the switch remains on for long periods of time the heat begins to build and the inefficiency of the system becomes prominent. The light is too bright and when touched, the bulb burns. However, nobody takes notice of the light bulb until it’s turned off, an action that provokes panic. The lifelessness of the light bulb allows people to realize the labor that it has gone through and questions of the bulbs usefulness begin to surface. And slowly, the power that it had generated is completely forgotten. The switch, an item I so desperately wish I held in my hand, flickers violently. The finicky device sometimes gets stuck in between the two extremes, conducting chaos. Some people fear that the bulb will burn out completely leaving a purposeless object with no method of recovery. No one acknowledges the true danger; that the magnitude of energy could cause the light bulb to explode. The fear lies not in the idea of an empty socket, but in repercussions that could harm others.  The shards of glass and sparks of electricity introduce a treacherous potential. More efficient and safer light bulbs have been created but I remain an incandescent light bulb, burning brightly and breaking slightly.