Boasting Candle

THE BOASTING CANDLE

It is better by far not to brag and to boast,
You might say it's a very good rule.
For the one with the boast is the one who is most
In great danger of seeming a fool.

Once a man who was planning a little surprise
Looked around for a suitable light;
And he found a few candles of varying size
To arrange for a party at night.

So he took them and stood them all outside with care-
Out in every safe place that he could.
And when darkness descended he lit them all there,
So they'd give out soft light where they stood.

Now one candle was largest, it was highest by far;
It was wide, it was tall, it was bright-
For when it was lit it shone out like a star
That's ablaze in the dark depths of night.

Now this candle was bright but as well it was proud;
For it felt it had something to show.
So it sang to the group (it was bold, it was loud),
"Don't you see my magnificent glow!"

"I am dazzling, delightful: a flame and a flower!"
The proud candle proclaimed to the rest.
But one old, half-burnt candle replied, "All your power
Is just one candle power at its best."

"What a load of old nonsense!" the proud candle flared,
I am brighter, much brighter by far!
If you checked you would find (if you tried, it you cared)
I'm outshining the moon and each star!"

And yet just as it spoke a sudden, short gust,
A brief rush of quick wind, went on through...
And it blew where the candles stood, scattering dust,
And it blew out the proud candle too.

The others just flickered a bit but it went right out,
In a moment its glory was gone.
And the old candle laughed, "When I look all about
I just wonder how true was your song!"

"I'm inclined to believe that the moon and each star
Are a little more powerful than you-
For their light shines forever, forever from far,
And each night they are raying anew."

"So you see, foolish friend, that to brag is bad form
For you know that no wind passing by-
No, not even the terrible rage of wild storm,
Ever blows out the lights in the sky!"