Candle

Based on experience

Candle

I trod through the stream of life,

In sunshine and in shadow;

Behind me all was pitch darkness,

In front of me waters shallow.

Shallow waters - they soaked my feet,

And soaked my heart with sorrow;

I gazed up for what I craved,

And there - I saw a candle.

Its tiny flame alleviated

All darkness and all shadows;

Kindling a fire warm and bright

In my heart and its furrows.

I trotted through the waters,

I sported in the meadows;

Evils and setbacks and misfortunes

I feared not - I had my candle.

Yet the waters - the shallow waters

Emerged as a new trouble;

Deeper and deeper they evolved,

Heavier and heavier my bundle.

And when my strength failed me at length,

Risking all my struggles,

An almighty leap I took,

Reached for - and snatched - my candle.

An almighty shriek it gave,

From me its tiny blaze scuttled;

Then - all was gone from my gaze,

There - I lost my candle.

Yet the fire, warm and bright,

In my heart it had kindled

Shall lead me forth through the waters

Which had, again, gone shallow.

I trod through the stream of life,

In sunshine and in shadow;

Behind me all was warm and bright,

In front of me waters shallow.