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Candle

A candle shortened by the years, It beads of wax, like streaks of tears; Still burns, but with a timid glow— Less brightly than a life ago. And as the threads of smoke ascend, Unto the dark, to fade and blend; Another candle, tall and straight— It flames, indifferent to its fate. So proffer they, the candles new, A breath of light; a hopeful view; Till ere long, shortened by the years— Drip they beads, like streaks of tears!

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Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/17/2019 7:14:00 PM

Personification personified, at the risk of being oh-so-trite. I am just taken with your lyrical style, and the unique angle from which you approach your subjects. Bravo, poet. Best of everything, Gershon

Kenneth R. Merrill
Date: 7/23/2019 11:10:00 AM

If only everyone took the time to read a so kindly comment as you! Just know I do appreciate your feedback, Ken

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/6/2019 5:29:00 AM

I like this personification poem so well, I am diving in for another read.

Kenneth R. Merrill
Date: 7/6/2019 11:00:00 AM

Hi Caren, and thank you. This began as a single stanza poem in college—one of my first. There is a very interesting story about this poem, and a correspondence between John Van Doren and myself—John (who recently passed), the son of Mark (Pulitzer Prize) and older brother, Charles of the famed Quiz Show scandal of the fifties. Interesting indeed!