The Candle Poem by Richard Lackman

The candle on the table sheds its light
In undulating columns from its flame
Its energy foretells a future bright
Devoid of apathy, devoid of blame
It burns with ever more intensity
While molten wax supports the arching fire
And so ignores its sad propensity
To shorten its own life as it inspires
How very like a candle is my life
As I attempt in my time to distinguish
My efforts to diminish earthly strife
And in the act myself do I extinguish