The Candle
My candle burns at both ends
I am trapped in the midpoint,
feel the searing heat of flames
advance ever closer to me.
I know soon ends will merge,
and as I scream in pain
I will change into mere wax,
weep onto the counter top
to spread my thin essence
all directions before
I solidify once more
changed forever.
(Written for today's Carry on Tuesday prompt, "My candle burns at both ends," from the Edna St. Vincent Millay poem First Fig.)
Vety intricate thinking. Strange how we all can interpret one thought so differently and, unique too.
ReplyDeleteThis is a unique take on the prompt.
ReplyDeleteThinking of the pain you describe so well takes my breath away, Mary.
ReplyDeleteProfound writing and self-awareness. You shine, Mary, like the candle.
ReplyDeleteYes YES YES. This describes what I have experienced only once in my life, transformation through pain of the defining role of my life being destroyed, and then, through and after the tears, the resolidification as someone new. The thing I realized writing this response is that as much as I was changed, the essence of the wax remained and remains the same.
ReplyDeletelove this one. great description of what pain feels like and done in a unique way.
ReplyDeleteIncredible poem, the pain, being left forever changed, vivid.
ReplyDeleteYour poem leaves me yearning to take away your pain, Mary. I can't, of course. I can only scream along with you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a vivid image and apt metaphor for difficult situations. Excellent writing.
ReplyDelete"My candle burns at both ends
ReplyDeleteI am trapped in the midpoint,
feel the searing heat of flames
advance ever closer to me."
I've known this situation all too well. Great write.
I"ve had a couple of meltdowns from doing too much and burning out. Good take on the prompt.
ReplyDeleteBurning at boths ends and the pain you describe, was really well done. Although hopefully that pain never lasts. Great write.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this Mary. I took it as a metaphor of death. Good job.
ReplyDeleteTruth carries your poem. Beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteI feel like that quite often, Mary. I love how you compared going through difficult times and growing stronger to the burning candles.
ReplyDeleteI first saw this poem in the book my sisters keeper.
ReplyDelete* I meant the st. Edna version.
ReplyDeleteYou are a great writer
ReplyDeleteThere is always light at the end of the tunnel.............Oh and at the beginning to!
ReplyDelete