you are the candle

i just want to say that i see you

pouring love onto
the sidewalk
doing your best
every day
to fill in all the cracks

i see you standing there
alone and afraid
and giving
and giving
and giving

burning bright
not just at both ends
but in a circle you’ve drawn
all around us
keeping the darkness at bay

you’ve outrun the odds
and the lot of us
beaten strife down
with the soles of two feet
always moving

taking you places
you’d rather run through
valleys of burden
and pits
of responsibility

and i want
to carry your heart
to the top of the mountain
feed you sun and
silent breezes

wash your blisters and build you
a sky-high fire
to throw enough light
for you to find
your own reflection

i just want to say that i see you

.

for nana

.

.

.

Today I am hosting Poetics over at dVerse Poets
with a prompt to write a poem telling someone you love all the things
you want to tell them, now, before it’s too late.

20 Responses to “you are the candle”

  • Mary Says:

    What struck me most about your poem were the first and last lines. I think that everyone wants to be seen; and sometimes I think it is the eldest in our lives who need to be told this MOST of all. It sounds as if Nana has been a very active(feet always moving) and giving person, and this poem shows deep appreciation and love.

  • Susan Says:

    Thank you … this warmed me through and through.

  • paper sea Says:

    This is exactly what I always wanted to say to my husband’s grandmother. I never did say it before she died, but I conveyed it in the touch of my hand and in the way I looked into her eyes. We both felt this extreme connection with one another, having walked similar paths. Beautiful work, Kelly. And such an excellent prompt.

  • Grace Says:

    A very moving tribute ~ I specially love this part:

    and i want
    to carry your heart
    to the top of the mountain
    feed you sun and
    silent breezes

  • Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Says:

    This is so great way to show love… the last part particularly… to give light enough to show reflection… what an absolutely perfect conclusion.

  • Victoria Says:

    Filling in sidewalk cracks with love…what a marvelous image, Kelly. I can see that these oh-so-poignant poems need to be swallowed in small doses (I’ve just read backwards, up to your poem.) Very powerful prompt you gave us today.

  • Pleasant Street Says:

    This was very moving. Thank you for sharing it

  • Gayle Walters Rose Says:

    I knew that reading some of the postings on this topic may bring some misty eyes. What a loving and beautiful tribute to your nana. And I agree with Mary, people want to be seen and acknowledged…we all need that from our loved ones.

  • Mark Says:

    someone to notice, and to let us know…even absent ego, all need to a degree. nicely done.

  • Buddah Moskowitz Says:

    Beautiful imagery and lots of obvious love. Loved this.

  • Sanaa Rizvi Says:

    Such a heartfelt write. Loved these lines:

    and i want
    to carry your heart
    to the top of the mountain
    feed you sun and
    silent breezes

    Beautifully executed.
    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

  • Ayala Says:

    Beautiful ! The subject was on my mind before you posted since I’ve had a very challenging two months.

  • kaykuala h Says:

    not just at both ends
    but in a circle you’ve drawn
    all around us
    keeping the darkness at bay

    This is relevant not just to the grandparents but also the parents. One is protected while they sacrifice themselves for our well-being. Beautiful write Kelly!

    Hank

  • Jennifer Richardson Says:

    So so beautiful.
    Thanks for writing this:)
    -jennifer

  • Bryan Ens Says:

    It’s interesting how those who give so much of themselves are often the last to see how much value they add to the world around themselves.

  • Victoria Says:

    This is a powerful tribute that acknowledges the human need to be seen and known even when one draws no attention to oneself. I live the “I see you, especially “I see you standing there alone and afraid and giving and giving and giving.”

  • Merlin Ambrosius Says:

    This is a beautifully written poem. So elegant and the message couldn’t be any clearer. Your love for your nana is certainly present. I’m sure she really appreciates the love you share with her.

  • Marina Sofia Says:

    What a clear and memorable image of pouring and pouring love like molten tarmac to fill in the cracks. A loving tribute to a remarkable and giving woman.

  • Georgina Says:

    Am exploring the links today and love the title of your blog. The poem is a beautiful expression of light and love. Yes, being able to see people and nature is so important.

  • Hannah Gosselin Says:

    Oh wow…this is a touching heart-written poem…thank you, for sharing this…I especially love this piece…

    ” i want
    to carry your heart
    to the top of the mountain
    feed you sun and
    silent breeze”

    amazing…I feel that way about my 93 yr old Grammy…I’d love her to experience mt top.

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