An Unkindled Love

Unkindled love, a flame that never grew,

A spark that flickered and then died,

Leaving only ashes and a heart that knew

The pain of love that never quite thrived.

Unkindled love, a promise that was broken,

A dream that never quite came true,

Leaving only memories and a heart that's awoken

To the reality of what could not be.

Unkindled love, a hope that faded away,

A wish that never quite materialized,

Leaving only regret and a heart that must stay

In the shadows of a love that never quite thrived.

But even though the flame may be gone,

The memory of what could have been lingering on,

And though the love may be unkindled,

It is not forgotten, for it still glimmers,

In the heart that once held it dear,

A love that may have been unkindled,

But is still held close, year after year.