By the Candelight of Saints

Cherry

By marandina

Wed, 20 Dec 2023
  • 629 reads
21 comments
 

By the Candlelight of Saints

The chill of church pews

where St George is a martyr,

 

silence staid by solemnity,

ambient flames flicker cobalt;

 

moments wane as sullen wax

melting - mourning tallow,

 

prayers hung in crisp, cold air

awaiting mediated replies.

 

My own pensive offering,

memories faded over time,

 

a love fated to wither like

russet leaves of winter trees.

 

Image free to use via WikiCommons at: https://web.archive.org/web/20161102123701/http://www.panoramio.com/phot...

 

 

 

 

 

Certificate PG
Poem
Miscellaneous Poems
Spiritual

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Lighting a candle at this time of year has so much meaning, especially when we remember those loved ones that have gone.

This poem had such a purity to it, and was a pleasure to read.

Happy Christmas to you and yours Paul.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for reading, Jenny. And for following so much (if not all) of my stuff. It's hugely appreciated. Yes, merry Christmas to you and yours :)

 

Submitted by Rhymes And Reasons on

'As long as I can see the light.' Keep the flame burning. Lovely Verse! heart

 

Submitted by marandina on

Ah thanks Jacques. Glad you liked it. All the best to you in the savannah.

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Full of wonderful imagery - thank you marandina!

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks insert. And for all the hard work you do behind the scenes to make the site work. It's unseen by most but appreciated by many.

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

That's very kind of you to say so - thank you!

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Memories fade even of those so close, but not totally, and the warmth and love remain, even though the love may seem withered, it is still there in a little room, if the person was valued. Somewhere quiet can be helpful for meditation and rememberances, and gathering thoughts for real prayer. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks Rhiannon. I made that point myself to someone the other day about taking time to reflect. A church on your own is as good a place as any to do it.

 

Submitted by onemorething on

Lovely, Paul. 

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks, Rachel. This was posted at #TTT earlier in the week. I made minor edits for the version posted here. I have grown to like imagistic poetry and the shorter form of poem. I'm getting better at them. I think..

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

beautiful sense of place, really evocative

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks Di. As always, your thoughts are valued. Glad you liked this one.

 

Submitted by celticman on

ah, prayer is a funny thing. We wait all our live for a reply. 

 

Submitted by marandina on

Ach...I've watched "Bruce Almighty" so I know prayers get answered, CM. Yeah...I know it's only a movie..

 

Submitted by Turlough on

Nice words Paul.

Good on you!

Turlough

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks, Turlough.

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for the cherries, Eds.

 

Submitted by D G Moody on

Very evocative; I visualised a cold dark church, with the candle light offering us hope - maybe?

Dougie Moody

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for reading, Doug. Yes, lit candles are symbolic of hope and churches can be many things to different people. A place to reflect on birth, life and death. At the end, the flame always goes out. 

 

Submitted by D G Moody on

My pleasure Paul. The poem reminded me of our old church; and lighted candle are very much part of our family tradition.

Dougie

Dougie Moody