Burning by Eli Oko

 

I left my candle burning overnight

I lit it to bring some sight to the blind thoughts I had

So that I could not only think clearer but feel clearer too

I watched the wick transpire for a second slowly

I saw the wax heat up and melt

It was stronger than me at the time

It comforted my dissembled heart

I left my candle burning overnight

As I  skipped about my room in anticipation for a conversation

I realised the wind outside had entered and I was wrecked

I listened as the doors rattled, the floors creaked and windows shook

It was more alive than me at the time

It supported my vulnerable soul

I left my candle burning overnight

As his voice drifted deeper into tomorrows hours

I decided the unfinished questions he asked

Had unfinished answers and perhaps we were both too gone to realise

I covered my face with my duvet

And the flickering light from my candle continued flickering under my eyelids

It was brighter than me at the time

It birthed insight into my immature cranium

Perhaps my candle burning overnight

Symbolised me and you

Symbolised a great intention

Highlighted our great imperfections

But echoed our flickering thoughts, decisions and choices

Are we the flame that lasted or the perspiring wax?

Are we just its heated glass casing transparent to the world

Or are we waking to the rains and gusts of winds

That are soon to blow us away?

I thought if I saw obedience in the persistence of light

It could teach us something about our fight

So I left my candle burning overnight.