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like our parents always told us not to like firefighters…

“like our parents always told us not to like firefighters warn against we're playing games and making the rules up as we go we're matching warmth to warmth starting fires burning wishes into our skin we're hidden holding forbidden lights we're children whose fathers have never taught never touch…” quote by Naomi Shihab Nye
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“like our parents always told us not to like firefighters warn against we're playing games and making the rules up as we go we're matching warmth to warmth starting fires burning wishes into our skin we're hidden holding forbidden lights we're children whose fathers have never taught never touch but we're finding these new flames we smother at the sound of footsteps.”

Naomi Shihab Nye

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poem reflects on learning to embrace risk and passion despite parental warnings, using fire as a metaphor for desire and growth.

In simple terms: We learn to follow our own passions despite fear.

Key Takeaway

Allow curiosity to guide you beyond caution.

Themes

risk growth rebellion fire parental guidance

Mood

hopeful defiant

Type

poetic motivational

When to use this quote

  • adolescence
  • career choices
  • artistic pursuits

Key Concepts

metaphor self‑discovery creative rebellion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What passions have you suppressed?
  • How can you safely explore new “flames”?
A Different Perspective

Risk can lead to unintended harm if unchecked.

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