An Old Candle

An old candle rests upon a shelf.

Perhaps it gathers dust and dreams

like me in my old age…

I delight in my old photographs.

A lighted candle softly glows,

‘still life with atmosphere’…

Out of the dark, a memory appears-

little candles lit for loved ones,

bare-headed little girls Must Leave…

my little-self Religion-curious,

How could Jesus take offence?

Then came the Bible-Thumper years,

a paradigm I left behind…

I studied World Religions,

their Philosophies and Doctrines,

many a valued Holy Book.

Love of God still burned bright,

different ways of knowing God within

free of ‘guilt and shame and sin’

that blinds the sight to Peace within…

When still and quiet, Mind at rest,

my Heart shines like candlelight,

even flames in holy rapture-

Experience speaks true- God’s Love

and Presence Ever, Always here

known by those who Go Within…

I create and co-create my life

and Never does God take Offence

no matter what I say or do-

Nothing Offends, no mistake, no error,

my God is Ever, Always LOVE…

Even passing through old age, I feel

that Love-Energy, Pure and True and Real.

I may rest in dust on a shelf

but the Divine still shines Within.

(February 24, 2023

Shelley Audrey Wilson

Victoria, BC)