When They Feel Like Fire
Some people come into your life like fire. They ignite something in you, burn brightly beside you, and make the friendship or relationship feel unforgettable. But sometimes, that same fire becomes chaos and before you realize it, the flames have turned into smoke...that gets thicker...darker...until it begins to engulf the light you once carried so freely.
When They Feel Like Fire
Some friends or loves arrive like storms,
loud and electric,
pulling you into their chaos
until you forget what quiet feels like.
You call it loyalty.
You call it history.
You call it being there for someone,
Until you realize
you have been holding your breath
just to keep it alive.
There is a kind of person
who brings smoke everywhere they go.
Chaos follows behind them,
darkness clings to their words,
and somehow every room
becomes a battlefield.
And you keep making excuses.
That's just how they are.
They're hurting.
They need me.
We've been friends too long.
Until one day you look at yourself
and realize their chaos
has started living inside you.
Your peace feels unfamiliar.
Your light feels dimmer.
Your heart is tired
from constantly bracing for the next fire.
So you let go.
Not with hatred.
Not with revenge.
Not even with a final argument.
Just quietly.
Because friendships and relationships should not require
you to sacrifice your nervous system
to prove you care.
Some people are meant
to walk beside you.
Others are lessons
you were never meant
to carry forever.
And sometimes loving yourself
means stepping out of the smoke
before it suffocates your light.