FLAME

In the darkness,
the red-golden flames of a candle burn,
It burns tonight,
as I am alone,
spiritually; mentally; emotionally
committing
this candle purification Act;
seeking sustenance down a long dusty flame-calling path as
I require
this all-consuming pain within me to
surcease
and to do it now.

I search within the flames for a path to follow:
for a new life to open
whether it consists of barley, wheat or sweetgrass.
Let it end!
Let the tears find someone else's avenue
to say hello to
The candle burns its red-golden flames
And I flood the table
My face falls upon the its wood and
it is drenched,
in salt water
And here I allow it to
lay.

There is no getting up from here tonight.
When the sun pours into the window,
The candle will cease its prayer for me,
And I will dress for a new day of work
with no one knowing
of the torturous nigbt before.

I walk a solitary journey in my sorrow
And I fail in what I require.


-anna 2/13/00


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