Bill Monday

The Candle


The dying candle flickers
as it struggles to survive.
Its slow demise against the inevitable
is sad to observe.
Its mission in life is about to be fulfilled.

It has shone on the just and the unjust
without judgment.
Its actions are not driven
by ulterior motives
but by the simple task
for which it was created.

It wastes no energy
pursuing answers
to unanswerable questions
as to why it’s here
or what will become of it
once the flame is finally gone.

Would man be better served
if like the candle he gave light,
truth, non judgment, and simplicity
to his fellow man?

Worry not about the unknown future
when the flame of your candle
burns out,
and the moment of eternal darkness
arrives.
You will find inner peace,
knowing you will be judged,
not for what you had
but for what you gave—
hope.