A Cautious Flame

What is this cautious flame I feel?
An unfamiliar glow of joy and hope,
Carried by a flow of warmth and illusion,
I am tempted to leave my fears ashore,
To chart a course from this land of confusion.

Long adrift without a rudder or paddle,
Floating upon gentle waves that flow,
Seeking compass points and coordinates
To show these wandering sails where to go.

Tonight’s promise of tomorrow’s spark
Ignites this wary yet hopeful heart.

Muddled doubts begin to soften into
Hushed smiles and whispered glances,
Timidly sharing a long-held breath,
As a hope-filled horizon grudgingly advances.