A Single Flame

Long since the sun’s last shining ray

Did mark the ending of the day

My candle has been shining steadily

Giving its light to me so readily,

While in my sorrow I did wallow,

Looking for a light to follow.

The clouds obscured the twinkling stars,

No headlights shone from passing cars,

No streetlamp brightened up the night,

It seemed there was not a single light

To turn this darkness into day

And lead me a more happy way.

Just when I thought all hope was gone

I caught a glimpse of coming dawn:

It was my candle, soft but strong

Which had been beside me all along,

But in that single fleeting glance

I knew that I had lost my chance;

For the candle had by then burned low

And had little time ‘fore it would go,

For while I mourned the lack of light

I failed to see it was there all night.