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The Candle

THE CANDLE



Upright and confident it shone all night,
And every night since its glow faded not.
Enlightening sunless paths, enhancing sight,
A guardian angel midst a gloomy lot.

One candle with the power to ignite
A million more. Young, polished, fairy-like,
Inspired they are to put up a fight
'Gainst the devil's shadows - strike upon strike.

One candle, a shield opposing the dark,
One candle to shelter the soul within.
One candle, warning the son from its spark,
One candle, burning for me its own skin.

Now molten, its bright flame leaps higher still,
One final caution for the child who sins.


- Maryam Kaleem
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