Alethea Jimison
Author, Poet & Truth-teller
I Am the Fire
Eber & Wein in the anthology:
Upon Arrival: Ascension
I am the flame.
I am tumultuous fire.
Mama said I can be all I desire.
I am full of unspent energy
and unawakened dreams.
I thank my mom
for giving me the courage
to believe—
that I can achieve anything.
She taught me that the secret to life
is delusion—
and I can choose
which life I want to believe in.
I’m a poet,
and I slam poetry
powerfully
like the Texas summer heat.
I’m a singer,
and I will sing like a siren
in smoke-filled bars
full of broken dreams.
I’m a writer,
and I will publish many stories.
I’m a mother,
and I mentor little warriors.
I strive for a life of light—
but I’m not afraid of the dark.
I’m a coach,
and I cheer from the sidelines
because I’m here
to respect your vision,
as long as we are working
for a world filled with love
and compassion.
I’m a healer,
and I will soothe your pain.
I’m also a warrior—
so step wrong,
and I will make it rain.
I strive for a life of light—
but I’m not afraid of the dark.
I’ve ridden on the backs of my demons,
striking my whip in victory—
and now,
the devil can’t fuck with me.
I… am… the… fire.
About the Poem I Am the Fire
I Am the Fire is a declaration of identity, resilience, and unapologetic feminine power. It is a poem that embodies passion, creativity, and the refusal to be dimmed by fear or conformity. Fire has always been a symbol of transformation—of burning away what no longer serves and igniting the truth of who we are meant to be.
When I wrote this poem, I was thinking about the many roles I carry: poet, writer, singer, mother, coach, healer, and warrior. Each role is like a spark, and together they blaze into the fire that defines me. This poem is not just about me, though—it’s about anyone who has ever been told to shrink, to quiet their voice, or to settle for less. It’s about refusing to apologize for your brilliance.
The Symbolism of Fire in Personal Growth
Fire is both creation and destruction. It fuels new life, but it also burns down illusions. In this way, I Am the Fire represents resilience—the courage to face your demons, claim victory, and step into your power.
The flames in the poem symbolize creativity—poetry, music, storytelling—and the smoke embodies both the pain of the past and the transformation it brings. Like the Texas summer heat, this poem is relentless. It reminds us that living with purpose often means walking through fire, but on the other side of that heat, you find freedom.
Why I Am the Fire Matters Today
We live in a world that often tries to put women in boxes—defining us by roles, expectations, or appearances. I Am the Fire is my answer to that: we are not one thing. We are many things. We can be healers and warriors, lovers and fighters, creators and destroyers.
This poem is an anthem for anyone reclaiming their truth and standing tall in their light. It’s about knowing that demons don’t define you—they sharpen you. It’s about embracing both the dark and the light within yourself, because together, they make you whole.