It is said, “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” And that one candle can light the world, just as a poem about a candle can light our world and inspire others. Write about a candle and light up your muse!
MARIE’S BEACON:
One flickering flame
in the window glows, bestows
the best kind of warmth.
© Marie Elena Good, 2018
##
WALT’S WARM GLOW:
OUT OF THE DARKNESS
Somewhere in darkness, hearts at rest find each other all alone at night.
Hearts that yearn for love become the vessels we sail to land on love’s shore.
Discoveries made invade like a conqueror, surrender your self.
Fear does not prevail for it has been hidden, lost and quite forbidden.
New sensations come filling your soul with wonder, under true love’s spell.
Tell her she brings light to supplant all this darkness; her candle burns bright.
It is that dark night that brings her brilliance to bear. She is your warm sun.
You embrace her there, filling her with heartfelt joy. You are her bright moon!
The brightness will fade. Life’s serenade soon will end. Sing life’s love song now!
© Walter J. Wojtanik, 2018
POETIC BLOOMINGS 
Responses
Some Candles Never Get Lit
I feel an urge
to light a candle, for my mum.
A scented one. But that’s not allowed
at The Oaks Residential Care Home,
and my sister says,
the oldies forget that they’ve lit
the damned things;
they catch curtains and carpets alight.
And I don’t mention that age-wise
I’m qualified to live here, and
by the way and I’ve never forgotten
that I’ve lit anything, let alone
ever incinerated anything.
Well, toast maybe.
And she asks, Ya wanna go to church?
I reconsider, and
suggest Starbucks instead.
for PB’s Chapbook Exercise: Candles (this is a draft)
Oh, Misky, this is full of emotions that those of us climbing the age ladder have felt or are feeling. Your last stanza made me grin.
Just a twinge. 😉
Yes, the emotion rings clearly here, Marilyn. And yes, I’ve forgotten a lit candle on a few occasions. Luckily the melted wax saved my posterior by extinguishing the beast.
I once forgot to put a tub of ice cream in the freezer, and it melted all over the place, but that’s not quite the same sort of mess. 😂
No use crying over spilled milkshake, Marilyn!
Haaaar!
The best thing I can say about this and much of your writing is “so human”.
That’s an absolutely lovely thing to say. Thank you, Daniel.
Broad smile here.
Thanks.
What a fun read, Misty.
🙂
Myself being of a age to forget now and then – I’ve switched to battery-candles
I’d gladly join you at Starbucks 😉
Misky, this was so vivid, every thought. The inclination to do something, the barriers to that thought, an option, then the resolution that was a sigh, an act of celebration no less meaningful. This was poetic mastery.
Thank you.
If incinerated toast is the worst thing, go to Starbucks. Love this poem, Misk!
My goodness lady, you never cease to amaze me. Love this. And like many of us here, I can relate.
Marie…simple and yet so profound! Walt…awesome reminder! Love the sun and moon imagery. Thank you both for starting us all off with such beautiful inspiration. Your muses are shining bright!!
Thank YOU, Linda! Never let the opportunity to sing life’s song pass you by! And that from a guy that can’t carry a tune without a bushel basket!
Thank you Linda!
MORNING’S TAPER
Grandmother Moon sits atop the pine, just outside my window.
The morning hour is too early for the garish sun,
that still slumbers behind the mountain.
The light from Grandmother is a glowing candle –
Luna light flicking from a timber taper –
illuminating the wee hours – valiantly shining to her last ember –
waking any souls daring to sleep on such a morn.
Such a Kraftwerk, Linda. Artist line up to paint like you write, I have no doubt!
Oh Walt! Such a nice thing to say. Thank you!!
Hear, hear!
“Valiantly shining”, like your words
Aaaaahhhh….
🙂 beautiful ‘candle’ light
Oh, this is splendid!
Linda, so vivid, sense full, profound. Beautiful.
Grandmother Moon is a wonderful image. Last two lines are beauties.
The candle is good inspiration. I started writing and will have to finish it later. Misky and Linda, good starts for the day.
BURN NOT THY FINGERS
“Burn not thy fingers to snuff another man’s candle.” ~ James Howell
What purpose does it serve to extinguish another man’s flame?
Why would you deny another woman’s light?
When the world needs the brilliance of many, how could any candle
be allowed to go silent? A dark mind will find nothing but violence
and a desire to burn uncontrolled to destroy all in its path.
No bold declaration of one’s own self
can provide the conflagration that many a candle
can offer. One candle will augment all other candles
when used to ignite their glow. A single match
can light a multitude of candles. Know there is truth in light.
Know that it is darkness that lies.
Reminds me of my experiences on Good Friday, in various Greek Orthodox churches, as one candle comes forward to light up those of the entire congregation I get a God-bumps reading this
That thought did cross my mind when I penned that, Daniel. The passing of the light has great significance.
Now that’s food for thought, Walt. Nice one.
Thanks Marilyn!
REMEMBERING THE GLOW IN THE CORNER OF THE CHURCH
Candles
warm the darkness
and the hopes of poor souls,
as the Mother Superior
would say.
Well, put it in the wrong place again. Sorry about that, Walt, although, as I think on it, maybe the placement is fortuitous, given the moving images your piece presents.
You’re right William. That deserves to stand on its own. And a good augmentation to my poem above. The compliment each other.
This made me smile, William. I remember the days of votive candles by the side altars at church. Lit many with my meager allowance, convinced I was making a difference to the “poor souls as the Mother Superior/ would say!”
Lovely, feel the whisper of this William.
….It only takes a spark to get a fire (candle) glowing….pass it on.
be the light
I agree with Daniel, it does remind me of the passing of Light. Something I think is so profound and meaningful! Well done, Walt. Thank YOU for sharing your Light with us all!!
Whoa bro…. Powerful declaration here. Loved this. So well done.
Stunning poem and viewpoint.
I just shared this on FB, from your site. WOW. The wisdom in this extremely well-written piece …
For a Simple Guy, One Small Thing
Not for me, the grand concepts.
I mean, I know that poverty
is cyclical or situational,
but that guy on the corner?
He just wants a sandwich,
maybe a beer.
Not for me, the great concerns.
I mean, I know that orphans exist,
and child care’s too costly,
but that girl on the swing?
She just needs a push,
maybe a hug.
Not for me, the larger issues.
I mean, I know the snowcap is melting,
but insomnia won’t help.
All I can do is turn off some lamps,
light one little candle, and hope others do too,
that the sum of the candles will light up the globe,
maybe my life.
Spot on!
Purely wonderful, Daniel. The sum of the candles!
For Sure…
yes! we can each make a differece
Oh Daniel! This is splendid!! We can only hope!
Daniel, nailed on this friend, form and concept and heart of the idea.
One little candle makes a difference. Lovely poem, Daniel.
Oh my! I shared this one on FB too, Daniel. I can’t even describe how much your words touch me, and how needed they are in this day and age. Thank you. And as I said on FB, you make a difference.
MEG, happy birthday! And thanks for so beautifully using the word “bestows”.
Marie Elena is celebrating today, and we share in her joy to bask in the glow of her 39 birthday candles. Hey, it worked for Jack Benny! Happy Birthday, Partner!
If it weren’t for the Jack Benny remark, I’d’ve believed 39 candles. Happy Birthday, Marie.
The Big SIX-OH, Bill!
Happy Birthday, Marie! Enjoy.
Happy Birthday, Marie.
Don’t count years – count friends and the number of candles used best be lit outdoors . 🙂
LOL!
Thank you!
[…] POETIC BLOOMINGS – AUTUMNAL P.A.D. Day 13: CANDLES […]
Playing catch-up. As you’ll see, working without inspiration breeds clunkers.
Candle
A candle burns brightly, not for too long.
Ask the true north star: how long is too long?
We paddled with a candle on our bow.
Romance will not stand for a canoe long.
The Empress of Autumn holds a candle,
and dies when it dies. She doesn’t rule long.
Once I made a candle, from paraffin
and beeswax, marbles, kite string, and oolong.
Bring your pumpkin mess inside. If you carve
outdoors, it’s too cold to hold a tool long.
I have an electric thing that sheds pink
salt, but in it’s glow Quickly’s not blue long.
I’ve enjoyed your poems for a while now. But not for too long! They continue to glow.
This is a delight.
well, I really like this!
Brilliantly written!!
Y’all are too nice.
Fun thoughts, Barbara, like relaxed mind ambling. Loved the walk.
I’ll vouch for that!
Walt, the flame is but for a while, the wick shorter by the minute. Your poem lights up the best response.
Marie, as you say, seeing the light is feeling it as well.
Lovely blooms from both of you.
Thanks Damon. We all offer up our best response. All candles burning brightly.
Thank you Damon!
[…] POETIC BLOOMINGS Autumnal Poem-A-Day Exercise – Day 13: Candles […]
BE THE BEACON, BRIGHT
We are surrounded by the brilliance of others
who shine their light unto the world.
They become the candle that illuminates our darkness,
the glow of humanity in the flicker of flame.
We warm our hands on their fire,
we warm our hearts on their glow.
We know that by adding our light, we allow theirs
to burn more bright in the cold, dark night.
We can choose to be a reflection of their light,
or we can be the beacon of the right light.
A bright light so shared.
This reminds me of something said by William Lonsdale Watkinson:
“But denunciatory rhetoric is so much easier and cheaper than good works, and proves a popular temptation. Yet is it far better to light the candle than to curse the darkness.”
Walt, I think the muse is burning bright with you today! Awesome poem!
Lovely, Walt!
For the Love of the Imperfect
It usually starts with the biggest pumpkin
The perfect one that stands up straight
And has a nice rounded shape and the
Perfect area for carving a grinning face
But we were late and the pumpkins left
Behind all listed to one side or had unearthly
Humps and bumps – a carvers nightmare
We were drawn to the large one with no
Redeeming qualities, just a sort of presence –
Self-confidence, if that is even possible
The lid was cut, the insides scooped, and
A jagged, crooked face took shape.
On Halloween night, before the ghosts
And ghouls appeared with bags extended
We lit the candle inside our orange creation
He grinned a lopsided grin and all the
Trick-or-Treaters squealed with delight
And on a street where every house
Had a perfect jolly Jack-O-Lantern on its porch
Ours was the one children loved the most
I WOULD HAVE VISITED, BUT WOULD’VE LET SOMEONE ELSE RING THE BELL! Great, Candy.
Ha! 😂
OH, I LOVE this poem!! Brilliant! I wish I could have seen it, too. Smiling big!
Big thanks, Linda!
It sounds to me like a “Charlie Brown” type of pumpkin – delightfully one of a kind.
Precious!!! A brilliant truth relayed in verse, Candy.
See? Children are drawn to differences, as are adults. Love this, Candy.
Heartwarming, this! ❤
TO ALLAY THE DARKNESS
When the weather turns cold
and the sunshine is rare
my mood goes to a place
I’d rather avoid.
My joyfullness leaves me,
my energy plummets.
I find myself fading
into a dark void.
Although I prepare to
deal with this challenge,
it seems that I still feel
anxious and annoyed.
I have but one tactic
that seems to uplift me,
When candles are burning
darkness is destroyed.
The little flames flicker
distracting my sadness.
Somehow with that brightness
my spirit is buoyed.
With blackness disspelled,
a small spark engages.
I can now cope with winter.
Life can be enjoyed.
Candles are the “squirrel” of indoor ambiance. Distracting in a good way! Soothing and scented, Linda.
There is a reason so many religions use candle light! Love this! I do the same for the same reason. Blessings, Linda!!
lite a candle – a quiet reassurance that light still shines
Something to be treasured about a flame, whether in a campfire, fireplace or at the tip of a candle.
Not being a fan of darkness, I have candles all over my house. I do not wait for emergencies to light them. Lovely!
There really is something soothing about a flickering flame. Lovely poem, Linda!
Autumn Birthdays
Birthdays in autumn meant,
for most of them,
I went to school
staring out the window,
watching leaves fall
wishing for the final bell,
bus home, eat supper,
and have angel food cake
with candles all around
like kids playing ring-
around-the-rosy at recess,
and then open presents,
play with whatever toy I got
till bedtime, then school again.
The cycle of youth, Connie. I like this!
Oh, yes – mine is also an Autumn birthday
Ah, Connie…this we share…I am an autumn birthday, too. Great walk down memory lane. Happy birthday!!
.
.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ALL the Autumn Birthday folk lurking in the Garden.
May you have happy days, flowers and candle light
Lovely Connie. Never thought about aspects of a school-beginning birthday like this, even tho our son and daughter are August kiddos too (now in their 40s).
Yep, that’s me too. But I have to say I’m thankful for the October birthday. Born at the height of my favorite season!
Eternal Flame
The Light has shined
Since the dawn of time
The darkness cannot hide it
His candles burn
In all who turn
To Him who in us lights it
This is the same
Eternal flame
Sent down from God above
It lights our way
Both night and day
And shines the light of love
Superb verse, Earl!
So important to remember…”Shine the Light of Love.” Yes!
Perfect Earl. Could become a responsive reading in a candlelight service.!
And I’ll just add my humble AMEN. ❤
.(using a bit of “artist liberty’ 🙂
.
.
Sheltered
by tight
stand of pines,
lone
maple clutches
bright fall foliage
and
shines like
a candle beacon
waiting
obscureness under
winter’s white uniform.
Love how you fitted in your line from yesterday. Well done!
🙂 thanks Linda – remembered this time to use a line from yesterday!
Marjory, your artistic liberty frees so many beautiful moments. Lovely again.
Artist liberty is your superpower as it is for all of us. Feel free to wield it with aplomb, Marjory.
“winter’s white uniform” – great phrase, Marjory!
Such a pretty little poem! Great visual!
Walt and Marie – I love candle light and especially enjoy your writings today. Well done. ….keep the lights burning.
Always, Marjory.
Warmth
illuminated
waxy hues, warm and scented
tree built of candles
How lovely! Makes me think of Victorian Christmas trees.
Exactly what I was thinking about! Thanks, Linda.
Exactly! So lovely!
Beautiful picture.
Thanks, Marjory!
Nice, Sara. Same image comes to mind.
Thanks, Damon!
My girls are candle happy. I don’t smell them, but they tell me they have great aromas. I take their word for it. And yours!
(short, late, but still done before sunrise next day. Sorry so few comments, long day Friday)
Candle in a Window
With molecules of paraffin
a thousand strong
wafting from my wick, spreading wide
invisible gasses dancing from my flame,
hot, yellow, orange, blue upon my head,
I heat, I light this subtle sense of darkening
while colors fly outside the sill I sit upon.
I feel mighty,
I feel small but mighty
In the fall.
© Damon Dean
Great offering, Damon. All the flicker and brilliance of a candle. And as warm.
Candle’s point of view, and clever haiku for ending.
Thanks. Love getting inside an inanimate object’s mind.
me too!
So cool! (Ahem. 😉 )
[…] FOR POETIC BLOOMINGS AUTUMNAL POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE, 2018, DAY 13: CANDLES […]
I am just one candle.
What good can I do?
How can my small shine brighten
darkness of another’s night?
How can my little flicker ignite
another’s candle light?
I am just one candle.
What good can I do?
How can my faltering flame heat
another heart ‘s cold beat?
How can my glow unseat,
send fear into retreat?
I am just one candle.
What good can I do?
And with that I confess writing poetry is beyond my capabilities. 🙂 You all amaze me with your creativity and depth.
Your writing is poetic when you Put Out Every Thought In Courage, and you have done that so well during this challenge, with words that moved others thoughts and emotions. I have so enjoyed your ‘capabilities’ friend.
Thanks for the kind encouragement.
You misjudge your abilities. The only difference between us is that we’ve been doing it a bit longer. We express what’s in our hearts, as do you, Shelley. Believe in your conviction and don’t sell yoursel short. You’ve got this!
Thanks for the kind words. “You’ve got this” made me smile.
Warm wishes, warm heart. Beautiful poem, Grace!
Thank you, purlpleinportland.
Oh my sweet friend, your poetic voice is strong in everything you write. Even in your prayers. And your beautiful heart shows. So, SO glad you are with us here!
Thanks, Marie. Some days, well you know…
❤ . Yes. Jesus, all we can do is call on You. And I bring my sweet friend to Your feet, and humbly-yet-boldly ask healing. Complete, whole, mind-blowing, instant healing. Because I know You can, and it is what, as a human and a friend, I really want for her. Yet, I ask for Your will, Your way. I know that is what is best, even if it is harder than I could ever fathom. Thank You that You get her through this each and every time. You, and You alone. And please? Jesus, please?
Thanks for this. Always.
❤
A Coat to Walk In
While colors fly outside the panes,
while branches grow more bare,
while words fly from their origins into notions piling up in heaves
against curbs in my mind,
I put on my brown poet coat,
thick with memory,
the pocket lint vague evidence of seasons past.
I open up a door to
take a walk
against the winds of change,
that will subside, in time,
so now I write a few heart-spoken poems,
scribbled on the virtual leaves
that pass and tumble between us
on this lovely autumn-littered lane.
©. Damon Dean, 2018
Wow! This is a beauty.
Thanks Sara.
*sigh*
I sit here and sigh (really … not just figuratively) at the amazing beauty of your work. Your word choices. Your images. Your phrasing. Your heart. All of which makes me just sigh. And read again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the encouragement.
Finishing with a bang, Damon. You’ve done good work these past few months.
Marie and Walt: Another couple of lovely, heartfelt poems. You two are great inspiration.
We reflect your brilliance. But thank you for that wonderful comment, Sara.
You are both candlelight.
So sweet. Thank you, Sarah! ❤