Candles brighten birthdays:
Made for wishes
Blow them out,
Open gifts.
Every year —
Candles multiply —
Wax soldiers in formation —
Crowd mother’s frosting.
The first five fly fast
The world — a mouth:
Nibble Cheerios,
Sample dirt.
The little person
Takes giant steps on
New found feet,
Runs too close to fire,
Grabs sharp edges
With abandon.
Falls, then begs for
Comfort — often needed.
Sometimes given.
In succeeding seasons
Persons ask big questions
Lean on security,
Learn the price of gravity
Practice reason,
And the art of secrets,
Earn a few medals.
Every year candles
Burn with hope;
You blow them out
Add one to grow on.
Every year
More soldiers drafted,
Platoons arranged in rows
Assemble for revelry,
Stationed in thick icing—
Defenders of dreams —
Wane in battle.
Cut the cake,
Pass slices to friends,
Save one for yourself,
Enjoy dessert.
Toast the years,
Add up dismissed candles
Discharged from service.
Mark this one gone,
The year before,
And years way back.
Play taps for burnt candles,
Counting on more.
THH
5/26/26
Thoughts Have Hands 