The Candle

 

When it was first ignited it seemed small and weak as if it would be extinguished. As time went on the flame became stronger, able to withstand the wind and spray, as paraffin welled up around its peak which had now created a hollow of liquid wax around the flame eventually overflowing the walls and rolling down the cylindrical sides of the candle, cooling as it traveled and freezing in asymmetrical oval spheres as it cooled, like lava roiling and rumbling as it rolled away from the fiery, fiendishly, flourishing caldron of a volcano.

 

Now the flame was building in strength, the light increasing in intensity as the candle reached its apex, strong and illuminating providing light for all in its purview. Eventually the illumination begins to wane as the candle struggled and strived to maintain its previously powerful, level, of production, while other newer candles had taken up the challenge, coming into their prime and eclipsing the candle as it begins to sag and falter losing its posture as its light sputtered awaiting its eventual fate in the base of the candle holder. Finally, the flickering flame disappeared in a trace of white smoke as its life was mournfully remembered by its fellow candles. They momentarily bowed their flame in reverence of its passing.

 

Jim

Oct 2020