obtain

we guard
from wind and rain
and tempest's roar
this tiny flame
of hope
that flickers
and sputters
catching in our throats
each breath
lest we accidentally
wheeze or cough
and thus
extinguish
this wisp of fire
obtained
through struggle
and cunning
and a modicum of luck
so zealously
vigilant
we feed the
conflagration
until it grows too great
and by our hope
and we immolate