Sorry About the Light

Something I wrote last year when I was bored in one of my classes about someone I felt that I had let down.

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There was a time when I thought
that I could really make a difference for you.
I wanted to be there for you always.
I could see it—me inspiring you to be a better person
and you following me blindly as I would shine for you.
It didn't work out that way, obviously.

I can't shine.
My light just... went out.

I wasn't looking, wasn't paying attention
and some gust of wind blew it out.
It makes me cry because it was so bright then.
Brighter, maybe, than it has ever been.
But my fire wasn't safe and I?
I wasn't guarding it as I should have been.

I don't want to bore you with the details
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry.I'm sorry I can't be a light for you.
I'm sorry I broke that secret promise we made to you
that Thursday night after we saw your wavering glow.
But my light went out.

How could I possibly help rekindle yours
if my own is simply ashes?