Candles

Candles are like people...
They can be beautiful to look at,
like the candles we do not like to spoil by lighting.

They can bring happiness and laughter,
like the candles on a birthday cake.

They can be plain but useful,
like the candles we light in a power failure.

An older candle burns brighter and better
than a new one, and gives more light.

Candles come in all shapes and sizes
and colors.

No matter what a candle looks like though
it is of no use until we light it ... and it is burned.

We too must use our life to its fullest
even if it causes us pain sometimes.

When we blow out a candle,
we still have the candle ...
but where does the flame go?

When we die
our body is left behind on the earth ...
but where does our spirit go?

Our spirit is the light
that glows within each one of us.
It is who we really are.

We must nurture our own spirit
and that of others.

We must find out what it is
we are to do in this life,
and do it,
until at some appointed time
our 'candle' is blown out
and our 'flame' flies free
to join the greater light.

Olive Redmond Apr 1999