The Altar
My grandmother had an altar
in the middle of the living room;
Mother Mary statute four feet tall.
On the table it rose seven feet
towering over all.
In an family emergency
a candle was lit
she would kneel;
pray-
candle flickering
on her face-
lit like heaven
was supplying
the electricity;
so serene that
face
and most often
the hallway phone would ring
and I swear
that family emergency
had been resolved
somehow
someway.
.
Came Christmas
I was alone
with the Madonna
and I knelt
just like Grandma
lit my candle too
and prayed for a toy tank.
Got one too
except it came
on the TV.
America
was fighting
a war in Korea.
My thought to this
day:
maybe I did it wrong
but can't risk doing it again
the whole world might get
destroyed.
Just one of those child fears
that lingers on.
Oh I still pray
but now I just leave
those candles alone.
Apparently
my praying is too powerful
and by not praying that way
I save the whole world
from me
everyday.
poem by Lonnie Hicks
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Related quotes
Day Of Mourn (Maguindanao Massacre)
11/26
The sun rose early behind the mountains
But never shone its rays on the face of the grieving
Darkness cloaked the land below my feet
Shaken the world with great terror and anguish
11/26
It’s a morn of mourning; a date of grieving
A day to unite and pray, for the departed victims
Come! Join us…… simultaneously, we shall light a candle
Come! Join us……. in unison we shall utter a moment of prayer
Let the candle’s wick burn until justice is serve
Let the grieving souls find tranquility on their grave
Let us all pray for JUSTICE name
Let us all pray and stop this demonic game
Come! Join us…..light a candle for this mournful day
Pray for the victims and make the perpetuators pay
26th of November,2009
poem by Catrina Heart
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Candle In The Window
Written by susan longacre, walt aldridge, and gary baker
Theres a road that I remember leading to a special place
Where the door was always open to a smiling face
Theres a picture on the mantle of a boy that looks like me
Its always the same, theres a stocking with my name
And a candle in the window, a flame against the night
Theres a candle in the window, its like gods perfect light
It dont take a lot of money to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window
Maybe its just wishful thiking I can hear the sleigh bells ring
Almost taste teh pie shes baking, its christmas eve
And theres a candle in the window, a flame against the night
The candle in the window, its like gods perfect light
It dont take a lot of money to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window and christmas in your heart
Wherever the years may take me no matter how far I go
Theres going to be a candle burning, its always nice to know
It dont take a lot of money to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window and christmas in your heart
song performed by by Alabama
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The Flickering Flame of Life
As dusk was creeping in, one winter’s evening,
I lit a candle to add to the peaceful ambiance.
Sitting, with my coffee on the table by my side
the flickering flame soon had me entranced.
I began to compare my life to a new candle,
remembering that I used to be proud and tall.
Like a candle I just got on with my business
working and playing without fuss at all.
With the flickering flame I also had parity,
when new it burned small but bright,
but as it grew it became more illuminating,
and at its peak it danced all night.
Throughout life I shed tears as did the candle,
also aged, as it flickered the hours away.
Sadly I know when its light flickers no more,
my breath will similarly cease at the end of my days.
poem by Orlando Belo
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Leave A Candle
Leave a candle burning bright
So that I may see tonight
The darkness pushing all around
Drowning out my every sound
Leave a candle on the sill
If no one does so then I will
I'll light the candle on my own
And I'll fight on all alone
Leave a candle let it sing
Else I can't stop my cutting
My blood will flow out, drip, and fall
As shadows move across the wall
Leave a candle to the end
It shall be my only friend
Let it burn untill my death
And blow it out with my last breath
Leave a candle in the dark
So it leaves it's glowing mark
And guides me to my final rest
Cause I failed the living test
poem by Anonymous Ghurl
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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The Bells Of Christmas
Imagine a boy
Kneeling by the window
Lookin out across the driveway at the rain
Will it always rain
I remember the bells
Comin from the churchyard
And I thought they played their music just for me
And day by day
The rain turned to snow
I dont hear them anymore
The bells of christmas
Will ring for us again
When we truly do believe
What christmas really means
So light a candle
That every man may see
The world of hope and promise
Like the one we knew back when and
Well ring the bells of christmas
Once again
There was a girl
Lived around the corner
With eyes as black as marys must have been
I wonder
Does she miss her friend
I remember the day
All the bells were ringing
As I watched her cross the churchyard in the snow
And all my searching
For all I lack
Is just trying to get that feeling back
The bells of christmas
Will ring for us again
When we truly do believe
What christmas really means
So light a candle
That every man may see
A world of hope and promise
Like the one we knew back when and
Well ring the bells of christmas once again
The future of the world, they say
Is in the childrens hands
Perhaps if we could let them lead
Wed come to understand
The bells of christmas
Will ring for us again
When we truly do believe
What christmas really means
So light a candle that every man may see
Like the one we knew back when and
Well ring the bells of christmas once again
Well ring the bells of christmas once again
song performed by by Kenny Loggins
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Candles
Faith for reasons still unknown
Like bleak house fog seems everywhere
The truth has frozen into stone
And hope lies freezing in the midnight air
Though dark our days may seem
This is a different dream
Their freedom light dont shine at all
So I will light a candle for you
Keep it burning in the night
And pray that you are all right
I will light a candle for you
Little candle burning bright
When school yard heroes disappeared
The little girl, she stands alone
Oh I believe you if you say
A prayer can help to get her home
So I will light a candle for you
Keep it burning in the night
And pray that you are all right
I will light a candle for you
Little candle burning bright
song performed by by Chris Rea
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Winter Night
It snowed and snowed ,the whole world over,
Snow swept the world from end to end.
A candle burned on the table;
A candle burned.
As during summer midges swarm
To beat their wings against a flame
Out in the yard the snowflakes swarmed
To beat against the window pane
The blizzard sculptured on the glass
Designs of arrows and of whorls.
A candle burned on the table;
A candle burned.
Distorted shadows fell
Upon the lighted ceiling:
Shadows of crossed arms,of crossed legs-
Of crossed destiny.
Two tiny shoes fell to the floor
And thudded.
A candle on a nightstand shed wax tears
Upon a dress.
All things vanished within
The snowy murk-white,hoary.
A candle burned on the table;
A candle burned.
A corner draft fluttered the flame
And the white fever of temptation
Upswept its angel wings that cast
A cruciform shadow
It snowed hard throughout the month
Of February, and almost constantly
A candle burned on the table;
A candle burned.
poem by Boris Pasternak
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Grandma Kay’s 95th Birthday
Grandma Kay just turned ninety five,
on her birthday in 2009.
In her nursing home her family was there,
Watching her blew out birthday candle without a care.
She was the star of her birthday show,
She blew out a candle that sparkled and glowed.
Friends and family sang along,
to her personalized birthday song.
Her son Russ played the guitar,
this was her best birthday by far.
She unwrapped presents from family and friends,
she was very happy like a child again.
Photo memories are snapped in time,
To remember Kay’s 95th Birthday that shined.
Written by Suzae Chevalier on September 9,2011
www.christinasunrise.com www.suzaechevalier.com
poem by Christina Sunrise
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Grandma Kay's 95th Birthday
Grandma Kay just turned ninety five,
on her birthday in 2009.
In her nursing home her family was there,
Watching her blew out birthday candle without a care.
She was the star of her birthday show,
She blew out a candle that sparkled and glowed.
Friends and family sang along,
to her personalized birthday song.
Her son Russ played the guitar,
this was her best birthday by far.
She unwrapped presents from family and friends,
she was very happy like a child again.
Photo memories are snapped in time,
To remember Kay's 95th Birthday that shined.
Written by Suzae Chevalier on September 9,2011
poem by Suzae Chevalier
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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How Do I Pray?
Pray, pray
How do I pray?
Usually at the
end of my day.
Pray, pray
For what do I pray?
I pray for peace
in everyone's day.
Pray, pray
To whom do I pray?
To my soul giver
that's not far away.
Pray, pray
Why do I pray?
For if there's a heaven
maybe someday
The praying was worth it
and then I'll know
where those that don't pray
will have to stay.
And pray and pray
and pray all day.
poem by Edwina Reizer
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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O Candle- Rose!
O Candle-Rose of rosy hue!
- A gift from sweet a heart;
On Christmas Day to me anew,
Aflame, how do I start?
For, if when lit, your love will glow
And burn my very heart;
And melt the wax forever, Oh!
The Rose could then depart.
O Candle-Rose of beauty great
- A piece of lovely art;
Tho’ burn you must, some day by fate:
How can I do that part?
O Candle- Rose of priceless rate,
Oh, be my living art;
Just like you were to me till date,
Remain my dear sweetheart.
Copyright by Dr John Celes 1-24-2005
poem by John Celes
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Candles
candle
it is used to light up
your years
candle
it is used to blow out
your years
candle
it is used to turn shadows
into animals
candle
it is used to help us see
the real from the shadows
candle
love and passion drip
through the wedding night
candle
a lump of spent energy
after all is over
poem by John Tiong Chunghoo
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Song For Adam
Though adam was a friend of mine, I did not know him well
He was alone into his distance
He was deep into his well
I could guess what he was laughing at, but I couldnt really tell
Now the storys told that adam jumped, but Ive been thinking that he fell
Together we went traveling, as we received the call
His destination india, and I had none at all
Well, I still remember laughing with our backs against the wall
So free of fear, we never thought that one of us might fall
I sit before my only candle, but its so little light to find my way
Now this story unfolds before my candle
Which is shorter every hour as it reaches for the day
But I feel just like a candle in the way
I guess Ill get there, but I wouldnt say for sure
When we parted we were laughing still, as our goodbyes were said
And I never heard from him again as each our lives we led
Except for once in someone elses letter that I read
Until I heard the sudden word that a friend of mine was dead
I sit before my only candle, like a pilgrim sits beside the way
Now this journey appears before my candle
As a song thats growing fainter the harder that I play
But I fear before I end Ill fade away
But I guess Ill get there, though I wouldnt say for sure
Though adam was a friend of mine, I did not know him long
And when I stood myself beside him, I never though I was as strong
Still it seems he stopped his singing in the middle of his song
Well Im not the one to say I know, but Im hoping he was wrong
Im holding out my only candle, though its so little light to find my way
Now this storys been laid beneath my candle
And its shorter every hour as it reaches for the day
Yes, I feel just like a candle in the way
I hope Ill get there, but I never pray
song performed by by Jackson Browne
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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One Candle, Tonite!
if we all took one candle,
and lit it tonite....
one candle...
symbolizing peace,
within and without;
celebrating understanding,
and the willingness to understand.
symbolizing compassion,
and the desire to accept
all men and women just as they are...
the dedication to feed the hungry,
house the homeless,
and heal the sick....
one candle...
one humanity, diverse and individual,
praying, working, sweating, loving together....
the dignity of one
defining the dignity of all...
lit one candle,
and put it in the window tonite...
we'd both light the darkness,
and free the slaves....
as hand to hand joins heart!
poem by Eric Cockrell
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Half The World
Only one shadow on the wall
Just one candle burning bright
I hold your picture to my heart
Im alone inside the night
The sun comes up in china ... the lights go on in rome
Half the world is waiting for someone they can hold
Half the world is praying theyll never be alone
Everytime you leave me a part of me goes too
And half your world is waiting here for you
I reach across an empty bed
I hear your whisper in my ear
But like the sun without the moon
Its half a dream without you here
The train that takes you from me
Brings somebody home
Half the world is waiting for someone they can hold
Half the world is praying theyll never be alone
Everytime you leave me a part of me goes too
And half your world is waiting here for you
Baby the earth stands still
When Im lying next to you
No matter where you go
Our whole worlds inside this room
The sun comes up in china
The lights go on in rome ... oh
Half the world is waiting for someone they can hold
Half the world is praying theyll never be alone
And everytime you leave me my heart breaks in two
And half the world is waiting here for you
Im waiting here for you ...
song performed by by Belinda Carlisle
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Candle Of Hope
I light this candle of hope
For the people in Mindanao
Particularly in Maguindanao
A southern part in our country, the Philippines.
I light this candle of hope
For the weeping child, for the abused
For the weak women, tortured and some buried alive
I light this candle of hope
For the widows, widowers, orphans
for the mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers.
This Christmas, I know it will be very hard
To celebrate Christmas with joy in your heart
It is not easy to lose a loved one.
Your tears will be gone, in His time
Your broken heart will be whole
Just keep that faith inside in each one of you
And keep this candle of hope burning..burning
Note: Please light your Candle of Hope too for them.
In your own little way, you have helped them lighten their load.
Thank you and God bless
poem by Meggie Gultiano
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Praying To A New God
(feldman / chandler / hues)
What got into you got into me too
What came over you is coming over me
Feel like Ive had enough of all the old stuff
I saw the writing on the wall on my t.v.
Its another second coming, like it or not, yeah,
Oh yeah
Its another second coming, like it or not
You better start praying to a new god
Start praying, praying to a new god
Start praying to a new, new god
Theyre saying the devils got a new job
Start praying to a new--
A lot of babel came down the cable
Everybody can be famous for a day
From shore to shore
A big department store
Is all thats left of the american way
Its another second coming, like it or not, yeah,
Oh yeah
Its another second coming, like it or not
You better start praying to a new god
Start praying, praying to a new god
Start praying to a new, new god
Start praying what are you afraid of
Start praying to a new--
Theres a big world
In the street outside
In their uniform of pride
And theyve all come
To see a star from the east
Is he man or beast?
Decide
Feel like Im crucified, still Im not satisfied
The second coming is coming anyway
I hear them pray for more on every dance floor
I hear the word go out across the milky way
Its another second coming, like it or not, yeah,
Oh yeah
Its another second coming, like it or not
You better start praying to a new god
Start praying, praying to a new god
Start praying to a new, new god
Success and moneys what hes made of
Start praying to a new--
Start praying, praying on the freeway
Start praying to a new, new god
Start praying, praying on the airwaves
Start praying to a new god
Start praying, praying at the back door
Start praying to a new, new god
Start praying, praying on the dance floor
Start praying to a new god
song performed by by Wang Chung
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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A Candle And A Man.
Someone lights a candle
And I see the things around.
A candle must burn like this
Nay, every candle must burn like this.
I begin to tell every one.
A candle dies as it lives for us
And we appear to live while we travel towards the end.
A candle lives and lives while it appears to be dying..
A lot we have to learn.
I begin to learn none.
It`s a candle which lives and lives throws greater questions
And I begin to be introceptive
-A mental exercise on a confined mind.
When shall I begin to live like a candle?
When shall I give out a flame that lives?
The questions begin to boomerang on me
As I sit in the candle light and see everything.
I see everything?
I miss to see a candle too.
The ghost of a candle haunts me.
poem by M.d Dinesh Nair
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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A Single Candle/Death Herself
A single flame lights her face
The face of death
A single candle holds her fears
The fears of death
Her hands clasped anrond their souls
The souls of the dead
She feeds of their screams
The screams of the dead
Her legs lay bellow her
Bellow death
Her black gown over her body
The body of death
Her chest rises and falls with her breath
The breath of death
Her cloak drawn over her long flowing jet hair
The face of death
Her eyes unmoved unfeeling
Do you see it?
Do you see the soul of death?
Do you feel it?
Her skin as white as snow as it fades into darkness
The snow of tears
Her cloths as dark as night that swallows the light
The dark we all shall see
Her eyes close as she feels their souls flow
Flow from the dead
She leaves them there to lay in darkness
She steals from the dead
A single candle lights their faces filled with her
Filled with death
They fall into the darkness of her eyes, of her heart
The darkness of death
A single candle shall stay to light their way
Their way through the dark
A single candle holds their past
The pain and trials
A single candle lights her face
The face of death
A single candle holds her fears
The fears of death herself
A single candle
poem by Bethany Maxwell
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just how right I am
I just can’t understand
how it is that
the world can’t understand
how right I am
and how wrong it is
OK, we’ll excuse the world, for the moment,
since it is far removed from my person
and my mind
so it can’t really be expected to understand my
unfailing rightness:
just how right I am and how just I am;
but the family, my family –
no, not the family of man
but the damned family of mine, my blood and bones and skin –
I can’t understand for the world of me
why my own family
that eats at the table with me
can’t understand
how right I am
and wrong they are…
just how right I am
and how just I am…
Look, I can understand about the world
but I just can’t understand
how the family….
I mean, this is where the family is important
for if the family can give me
just a little support –
just a teeny-weeny bit – I mean how much
does it take
for the family to see
how right I am
and how wrong the family is.
Is that really asking for too much?
You see, I’m sure you can see,
if only the family could agree
the world itself would see
how right I am…
But what is to be done?
prophets are never accepted
in their own home
and so in their own family too…
and so perhaps the truth lies in this cliché…
still, if one looks at it clearly,
I just can’t understand
how it is that
the world, which includes that silly family of mine,
can’t understand
how right I am
and how wrong it is
poem by Raj Arumugam
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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