My Candle

For Helen

The clouds at last obscured the skies
The light was gone by afternoon
I bow my head and close my eyes
and stand here widowed all too soon

My candle flickered in the breeze
as darkness came to lay its claim
Now grief has brought me to my knees
for I have lost my precious flame

And yet, in days still steeped in gloom
my memory, undiminished, gleams
And in the silence of my room
I see my candle in my dreams