Candle Light Poem by Dorothy (Alves) Holmes

Through the years, harbored
In the secret places of my mind,
I have treasured memories of
moments enraptured, when
candlelight gave grace to the face
of the one I loved.
We would become swept away under
the spell of the candle light's soothing
and mystic charm.

My senses have been teased ny the
sweet aroma of melting candles as their
flickering flame has intoxicated me
in silent melody as they shadow danced
like fire flies, between warm emnraces.

In recent years, I have watched with heavy heart,
candlelight in dim profusion, illuminate the
sad faces of family, friends and strangers
as they come from out of the darkness of
these troubled times, light white candles.

They gather at worn and majestic gates,
on steps that lead to obscure doorways, and
stand beside busy highways and by-ways,
gathering under over hung trees, in open vast fields,
in synagogues and in churches of every denomination
In staggered lines, they wrap around tear stained aide's
quilts.

The candles and their soft limpid lights are symbolic
expressions of someone's love in memory of the
demise of someone...

I have heard the muffled sobs at the attendance
of these quiet shims as tears trickle in the under glow
of candle lights, stretching across the world.

Then one day we are laughing again, it's someone's
birthday and candlelight dances as the honoree
takes a deep breath to blow out the candles and
makes a wish between the bubbled laughter and spiral
of smoke and embers that slowly fade away.

Candle light, giving the inside of pumpkins a golden glow...
That special accessory for Christmas everything with
the caution to be careful...very careful.