CANDLELIGHT




Is it a blessing or a curse
to constantly hear lines of verse?
I appreciate all the things I see,
but once in a while, just let me be.

Let me sleep until it's light
and then happily I will write
all the words that you dictate,
I'll put on paper, but please wait
until I've had my morning shower,
then I will write by the hour.

Thank you for listening to what I say.
I know that you always have your way.
It's silly for me to complain
to the maker of the sun and rain.

Now I'll state so sincerely
to the God that I love dearly,
Please don't honor my request
to let me sleep -- You know what's best.

* * * * * * * *

Hello, my son. Please write this down,
and from your face, please take that frown.
I wake you in the early morn
with words of love -- not words of scorn.

You listened well and lit a candle
just like Strauss, Mozart and Handel.
Poets must write. There are no choices.
You are my choir--ten thousand voices.

You do my work, maybe with dissension,
but at least you always pay attention.
I ask you for your ten percent.
Just write the words that I have sent.

Sit there--watch the candle glisten.
It's so quiet now so you can listen.
Do you think that once you are anointed,
that you may never be disappointed?

What would the value ever be
it it were easy to follow me?
When you need something, it's always there.
I deliver it because I care.

So don't sit there looking sad,
I've words to write upon your pad.
These things that you hear people shout
are not what life is all about.

In the darkness of your sleep,
are thoughts I put there very deep.
In that half sleeping state
is the connection to the great.

You sit there as the candle burns
knowing that the Earth still turns.
Very soon the dawn will break
and with it -- the silence take.

You and I talk while it's still black,
so you realize there is no lack
of love from God for all creation --
the smallest thought to the greatest nation.

Can this candle for itself seek fame?
I am the light--You're just the flame.


Copyright Steve Sauter 11/98


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This Page Updated
January 26, 2008