just a few years ago,
I would have said that I lived in a world
of candle flames
surrounded by glittering fires
brilliant-lit faces.
but time goes on,
and winds blow cold.
one by one,
the fires dim.
the glimmer fades
few candles are left to keep the others alight,
too few to stretch their light so far.
as sullen faces lose their rosy splendor
and one by one
they cry
"it's going out."
the black wicks of brilliant flame
surround me like winter forest,
and while they can be lit again
the longer the snow falls,
the harder it will be.
the colder the wind blows
the more will join them.
if the wind does not stop
they might not...
might not get to light again.
do not think me morbid:
the candles themselves will not fall,
I pray,
but there is existing as a candle
burned out before you even begin your life
and there is living as a torch in the darkness
the torches of glorious hope.
I light them on fire as much as I dare
but my flame will not last forever
if I am not careful.
the wind chills me as well
yet I persist
for someone has to glitter
with hope
someone has to light the road to happiness
for my flickering little candles in the cold
be brave, my friends,
remember the shining light of years gone by
we are meant to set the world on fire
but all I can see are wisps of smoke
where there is smoke there is fire
*where there is light there is hope