Torches certainly don’t pass themselves. The handle, shaft, or stock, must be carefully, strategically, and soberly handed off, by the original bearer, to the next bearer.
The next bearer, has to be ready. He, or she, cannot be self-appointed, irresponsible, opportunistic, covetous, or attention-seeking. A random passerby, or runner won't do. He, or she, must be a carefully chosen, trusted, proven, competent, sure-footed, prompt, alert individual, who appreciates and understands, not only the optics, mechanics, and physics of fire, but the importance and value of the life of the flame, as well as the diligence of those who kept it alive.
One slip, trip, distraction, clumsy exchange, hasty snatch, self-centered grab, haughty overreach, or careless angle, and the flame will either lose precious fuel, be extinguished altogether, or escape its confines, and incinerate not only the stock, but ignite any nearby flammable material. Mishandling the exchange, could seriously burn the next bearer, too, who will, in an effort to avoid personal injury, douse the flame, abandon, drop, or break the stock.
The original bearer knows that the torch can’t be haphazardly passed to just anyone. Timing, expertise, and coordination are key, too.
A flame-less torch is just a handle-- a container-- that can be filled with practically anything. Its exterior may be exquisite, and ornate, but the principal thing—the substance—is the fire, and the quality fuel that sustains it.
A fallen stock, is vulnerable, and up for grabs. Anyone claiming to have any manner of fuel, can pick it up, claim it, light it, re-purpose it, and misuse it. Anyone can designate him or herself a torchbearer, but it's questionable if they will ever measure up to, or continue in the same direction, with the same intention and diligence, as the one who started and nurtured the flame.
The ground is a resting place. It can hold, but can't pass a torch. A fallen stock, once it hits the ground, can be found, picked up, dusted off, checked for damage, and refueled. Left on the ground, however, it could rust or tarnish, be considered waste, or be buried under debris, and forgotten.
There IS no continuous flame, without fuel. There is no passing, without the intentional action, and blessing of the original bearer. The new bearer cannot be a reluctant conscript, nor amateur volunteer.
A newly ignited flame, may be similar in appearance, or effectiveness, but without the same fuel, or original kindling, it will never generate the warmth, authenticity, or light of the old one.
A passed torch--if passed strategically--will thrive. It will be tended to, and continue to burn. It will never be extinguished. In proper hands, it will continue to sustain itself, and reproduce authentic brilliance, as it always did in previous, capable hands.
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