Departure

I lit a candle last night.

I didn't even call it strange.

This is how we get the beloved home.

Sometimes there is nothing to save

when the past is broken

by loss, violence & trauma.

The candle burned itself down

beside me on the sofa.

Call & answer.

Departure cannot be stopped,

it registers unease.

Very little will matter.

Reviews

[Davidgeo]

It all matters. Even after the candle burns down. You control the memories. Never forget that part of remembering/forgetting things.

[An owl on the moon]

What a profoundly beautiful imagery you create through this candle's flame. It illuminates that past place of pain... of loss... of trauma... and it speaks into us... in the now. Made me wonder of all of us as candles... burning down... lives lived out... and then gone. Hoping to burn a little brighter before the end.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Love candles but need to restock
Haven’t lit one for years
I recall after mum died before work I’d set aside five mins with a candle lit and some music usually eNya as she loved it so did I and a framed pic of her I did this for a few months it’s soothing to soul it helps you slow down you stop in your tracks

Good write ✍️

[Costa Siwale]

For me, the imagery of the candle burning down evoked both ritual and impermanence, a symbol of grief. Very little will matter indeed.
I enjoyed this one, short! but sharp in feeling.