flicker

even a flickering candle
shines brightly in the dark
and offers warmth, of a sort
but never makes a mark

small lights born in darkness
don't know how to shine
they only know they don't belong
within its bleak designs

beaten for no reason
battered to take the fall
for unrepentant misery
and reasons they can't recall

born to bear the burden
of someone else's lack
no surprise in blinded eyes
when futile light goes black

embrace the dark surrounding you
the only hold you know
accept within that you are sin
destined to never glow

deep in bushel covered heart
dimmed embers in the ash
struggle to burst into flame
a secret hoarded cache

but time and time and time again
the fire is stomped out
cruelty ever finds it's mark
of this there is no doubt

without the air of love to breathe
new life into dead ashes
the light can only shine through cracks
in blinding brittle flashes

unloved and now unlovable
the dark heart knows despair
all the pain and hated shame
a weight it cannot bear

one last desperate end-game move
the final spark tastes air
and flying late through Heaven's gate
offers God an angry prayer

however in His presence
the rage finds sweet release
His holy light shines so bright
the spark at last knows peace

in precious private time with Him
my whole purpose in one remark
"even a flickering candle can
shine brightly in the dark"