MATCHES IN THE RAIN

by: Ariana Strong

Two matches with a lighter, perfectly paired for one another. 

One unused match lies idle,

As the lighter gradually ignites the other.

Now, the flame of the lit match longs for the prior.

And the two matches grow closer. One flame merging into two.

But the first match changes. Its flames begin to fizzle. 

The lighter comes back through, emitting more fuel in rescue. 

Their flames begin to grow. Too powerful for them to subdue.

Angry, orange fire erupts between them.

A signal for the dark clouds to roll in. 

Droplets fall onto their joint flame. Extinguishing everything they became. 

Separately, they begged the lighter. Hoping to be ignited before returning back to the other. 

But they remained too drenched. Unable to be relit.

Until the bright sun’s rays appeared, drawing the two matches near.

Together, they desiccated, forever changing their chemistry.

The lighter soon returned, igniting the matches together. 

Their flames remained level. Never taking anything more from the other. 

And ever since that day,

They were never to remain two matches in the rain.