I light two candles –
one in gratitude for my escape
one for the souls of my captors
Forgiveness is not on the table…yet…
The first candle
I light with intention –
inhaling liberation
exhaling confinement
How long before my consciousness acknowledges freedom?
I light the second candle
teeth clenched,
unable to control
the tremor…
Is it futile to pray for the wicked?
This wick never holds –
A sign, I’m sure,
harmony out of reach
I will let mine burn a while
revel in the gift of light
give thanks, so much thanks
Then, purposefully
extinguish the flame
prayers carried skyward
by the smoke.
One day, the candles will burn
simultaneously, each flame
matching the light of the other –
equilibrium restored.
That’s my goal, anyway…
        …should I allow forgiveness.
(For Sadje’s What Do You See challenge.)
One Woman's Quest 