Why Do I Have To Be A Candle? Poem by James Barrs

She wants you as a candle,
Not as a light bulb in a lamp.
She wants to go to the drawer
And pull you out when
The power goes out.
Light you up and let you
Guide her to the fuse box that
Electrifies the light bulb.
The source of her everyday light!

You can show her the way,
Make sure she doesn't fall
Be soft and encompassing
When the storms rage and scare.
But ultimately she has found a
More modern, brighter light for
Everyday. Don't think for a moment
Even if the light bulb burns out
She won't buy a new one tomorrow.
She's not going to live the rest of her life
Reading by the flickering, soft candlelight.