In the Quiet of Flame

There is a struggle within,
a fire restless in its cage.

Left alone, it would consume,
yet it is subdued -
confronted and contained
by a force beyond myself.

The truth is quieter.
Not every flame is meant to dazzle.

Some burn within, unseen —
like a leaf holding fire in silence,
green above, restless beneath.

Desire stirs, and I falter.
Remorse follows like shadow.

I am not unbroken,
yet I am not forsaken.

For the root still drinks from His mercy,
and the breath is still His gift.

It is not my strength that saves me,
nor my will that holds me firm.

It is He who steadies the trembling,
He who subdues the storm,
He who gathers me
when I cannot gather myself.

So I carry this flame with humility,
not as triumph,
but as trust.

Grateful for the One
who grants life after falling,
who whispers in the burning heart:

“Do not grieve. Indeed, Allah is with us.” (At-Tawbah 9:40)