In a Heartbeat - In memory of Vickie
In a Heartbeat
The flame flickers
Only for a moment
Then stands erect
Stretching upwards
Strong
As if knowing the length of its wick
The thickness of its coat of wax
It shines brightly
Caressing hidden corners of darkness
Beckoning all to the light
The promise within
Its sweet, spicy scent
Familiar
Soothing
A solitary droplet of wax
Hesitates
Then cautiously slips down the side
Blackened bits of wick drop delicately
A cascade of wax down the other side
The flame flickers once again
Wary
Of the slow, patient metamorphosis
It waits
Another river of wax
Like molten lava
Expected, but unexpected
And so it continues
Until, with its last breath
It curls its blackened head
Knowing the wisdom of its light
The comfort of its warmth
The joy of its scent
And sleeps forever
- in memory of our friend, Vickie McKenna