I was thinking of life the other day and of how short it is. As I thought about my life, the image of a candle came to my mind. In some ways, my life can be compared to that of a candle.
At first, when I was young, I felt invincible. I looked strong and vibrant. The possibility that my life would end never came into my mind. Days would pass slowly. It seemed that Fridays would take forever to arrive. I could run forever and never tire. The candle started burning
As I grew into my 20s, I struggled to figure out what the course of my life would be. Which path do I take? What will be my niche? I wondered if I would ever be of any use to anyone in this world. I never felt I could ever equal the achievemtnets of my father and those who had gone before me. I hoped for great things that seemed far beyond my reach but at times I felt like giving up or settling for less. The candle was certainly burning bright.
When I arrived at my 30s, I found my calling. I came to understand what I would be and now I knew the course for my life. Along with that came an occaisional thought that I might actually die one day. Time began to move faster. The candle kept on burning.
My 40s were a time of working very hard. I enjoyed what I was doing. I felt useful and that I was making a difference in the lives of people who were not as fortunate as me. The candle started showing signs of wear yet still kept burning bright.
As I go further down the road of life, I'm sure many wonderful revelations on life will come. Beautiful friendships and life changing moments will occur. I now know that there is a power much greater than I who is ever leading me along life's journey. Though I know that one day I will die, I am determined to give it all and to be the best person I can be for those I serve and for myself. I am determined to let my candle burn brightly until the light is gone.
I hope you enjoy the poem I wrote. It's called The Candle....It's a metaphor
The candle burns so strong and bright
At first, when I was young, I felt invincible. I looked strong and vibrant. The possibility that my life would end never came into my mind. Days would pass slowly. It seemed that Fridays would take forever to arrive. I could run forever and never tire. The candle started burning
As I grew into my 20s, I struggled to figure out what the course of my life would be. Which path do I take? What will be my niche? I wondered if I would ever be of any use to anyone in this world. I never felt I could ever equal the achievemtnets of my father and those who had gone before me. I hoped for great things that seemed far beyond my reach but at times I felt like giving up or settling for less. The candle was certainly burning bright.
When I arrived at my 30s, I found my calling. I came to understand what I would be and now I knew the course for my life. Along with that came an occaisional thought that I might actually die one day. Time began to move faster. The candle kept on burning.
My 40s were a time of working very hard. I enjoyed what I was doing. I felt useful and that I was making a difference in the lives of people who were not as fortunate as me. The candle started showing signs of wear yet still kept burning bright.
As I go further down the road of life, I'm sure many wonderful revelations on life will come. Beautiful friendships and life changing moments will occur. I now know that there is a power much greater than I who is ever leading me along life's journey. Though I know that one day I will die, I am determined to give it all and to be the best person I can be for those I serve and for myself. I am determined to let my candle burn brightly until the light is gone.
I hope you enjoy the poem I wrote. It's called The Candle....It's a metaphor
The candle burns so strong and bright
My days go slowly by
The future beckons "follow me"
I know… I’ll never die
The candle weeps yet shares it’s light
I try to find my way
The journey now begins for me
I’m strong… I’ll never die
The candle now is worn and tired
Lifes troubles show the wear
My paths are short and measured now
I’m scared… that I might die
The candle now is small and frail
The light grows very dim
My days are surely numbered now
I know… that I will die
The candle flickers on and off
The Usher at the door
My loved ones gather round my bed
Today… I’ll surely die
A puff of smoke is all that's left
My life was far too short
But yet in spite of what I was
I now... am more alive
We do not die as many think
We simply change our form
The test of life is over now
"Well done... and welcome home"
© Jon Arno
A puff of smoke is all that's left
My life was far too short
But yet in spite of what I was
I now... am more alive
We do not die as many think
We simply change our form
The test of life is over now
"Well done... and welcome home"
© Jon Arno
Loved the metaphor and the scene and imagery placed out for us. A flickering candle there at the end is of course exactly right for the scene of a death bed and poignant. Good stuff
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing this lovely little piece
Yours Kassie
The poem is very illuminating and beautiful. I enjoyed reading it very much. I liked the reptation of the liines. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFantabulous!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was so smoothly slipped from my tongue and with its simplicity it summed up the whole meaning of life, how a journey begins with the candle's bright light and as times passes by we tend to like the burning flame of the candle slowly slowly fade away.
Yet we know how important is to live that journey rather than count the achievements and this poem surely tells us that. After reading this poem, I'll definitely live each day to the fullest
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful poem with us
Your fan,
Deviant Writer
P.S. The repetition really made it awesome
ahhh one doesn't know whether to hope for this or not? as I age I begin to think by the time I have to go I will be ready to go, to rest and perhaps if I did a good enough job with my life I can rest for as long as I like? Much enjoyed this. Light & Love
ReplyDeleteate: 2/1/2012 7:31:00 PM
ReplyDeleteEach year that we live the flames burn brighter than before, the wax will turn to molten puddle but the flame inside it never dies, it only lights another, love and light Jon, and may your angels keep watch over you, vie
Date: 12/28/2011 7:03:00 PM
ReplyDeletewonderful, jon and so very true. yours reminds me very much of my "Loon Upon the Lake" . This is a theme I have explored more and more as I too get up there in age!!