The Light of One's Own

Slowly become your own flame; if you make someone else the wick, they will snuff you out whenever they please.
Keep burning until the wick is reduced to ash.
Better still if you learn to find the oil that feeds the flame, so you can burn as bright and as long as you wish.
If the wick runs dry one day, fade into darkness with it—
but never grant anyone the freedom to extinguish you at their whim.
If God commands it, burn again;
until then let the world know: without your light, there is only darkness, nothing but shadow all around.
Make yourself known in such a way that even those who curse you in jealous rage cannot help but pay attention.
Impossible to ignore, no matter how they try.