It starts out as a spark,

Small and smoldering bright. 

But leave it unattended, 

and it will catch alight. 

The spark turns into flame, 

Licking at the wood, 

Growing ever stronger,

Stronger than it should. 

In the end it is ablaze,

Eating everything in sight,

Leaving not a thing behind,

Not even feeble light. 

Gray ash is on the ground, 

And all the green is gone. 

The world is ever dark,

the blackest of the dawn. 

So be careful with your fire, 

Be weary of its spread. 

For even though it may seem warm, 

It will leave you good as dead.