vigil

Try to light a candle.
The gentle breeze takes it.
The flame again,
The breeze again.
The sun is going down . . .

Try to light a candle.
Your gentle hand cups it.
The back is cold,
The palm is sweating now,
The candle burns brightly . . .

But the breeze!
That playful breeze!
It wiggles through your fingers,
It switches its direction.
The sun is going down . . .

Try to light a candle.
Closely now, beside the heart!
When the breeze takes it, lean over,
Come near me,
Share the flame . . .

The sun is going down,
But the streets are filled with people
Huddled close together,
Leaning over candles,
Protecting them together,
Burn as bright as anything.

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