Poetry About Candles

A match scratches against the box. The wick accepts one trembling flame. Wax begins its slow white descent. Around it, faces soften into attention. The candle cannot defeat the whole dark. It makes enough light for us to remain together.

Evening changes the shape of the subject. The wick accepts one trembling flame. Edges soften, but meaning grows clearer. Around it, faces soften into attention. What remains asks to be carried carefully. It makes enough light for us to remain together.

A match scratches against the box. Time moves, but the image does not leave. Wax begins its slow white descent. It returns us to light, wax, vigil, celebration, prayer, and the human habit of answering darkness with a flame. The candle cannot defeat the whole dark. The day continues with a more attentive heart.