7 Candles

A candle for the princess of the rubble,

Bomb by bomb her world ground into dust,

Curls thorn-crowned by centuries of trouble —

Dance, small flame, burn only what you must.

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Extinguished hopes and dreams eaten by rust,

Forgotten and futile-begotten aims,

Gentle souls twisted by toxic trust —

Healing candle, cauterize the shame.

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In halls of power roll the endless games,

Jaded players riding on their might.

Kill or cast out, darkness falls the same —

Light the tallow and hallow the fight.

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Match to stubble, set the field alight!

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Now, a birthday candle for yourself.

Open present, blow away the past;

Pretty baubles, make room on your shelf.

Quickly, for the wick’s not meant to last.

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Resolve to take the votive you've been passed:

Shelter in the huddle of your hand?

Taper to the confines of your caste?

Upraise the fire, winds and rain be damned?

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Vase of ashes scattered on white sand;

White lotus, incense, grapes, outpoured wine;

X the name from registry of land.

Your own white candle will be lit, in time.

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Zed to alef, pass the chance to shine!