In a Heartbeat

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