The transformation immediate.
A vibrant flame erupted from the ash,
chasing away the encroaching shadows.

Panic seized apathy’s inhabitants.
The familiar, emotionless world
was being challenged.

They tried to extinguish the flame,
hurling barbs of doubt
and apathy.

But ash held firm.
The fire within grew stronger,
fuelled by the forgotten dreams of the world.

It spread, flickering at first,
but then catching on
in the hearts of others.

A blacksmith, long resigned to cold metal,
felt the heat of inspiration and
began to forge anew.

An artist,
brush long dormant,
felt the passion to create.

The fire raged,
not with destruction,
but with the promise of rebirth.

As the flames danced,
casting flickering warmth on the land,
apathy began to melt away.

Fear remained.