Three Candles

I wrote this one year ago today, after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. It still brings me to tears to think of that terrible day and those children, teachers and administrators that were lost.

The President is encouraging people to join in a moment of silence today at 9:30 AM EST. I will be joining in the silence and praying for light and love for all those who need it in Connecticut and all those around the world who may be experiencing darkness.

This was the only prayer I could manage on December 14, 2012.

Three Candles
Lynda Allen

Words cannot fill a heart that has drained of life.
Words cannot recreate the color in a cheek.
Words cannot open an eye that has closed.
Words cannot utter the unspeakable grief.

So I lit three candles.
I don’t know why there were three,
one was too lonely, and two was not enough.

So I lit three candles,
as my heart ached and my tears fell.
I poured water beneath one candle
for the healing it represents
hoping it would be felt.

So I lit three candles
trusting that somehow the light would carry
to the places that now seem so dark.
I wish I had a million candles to light tonight.
I would create a circle of light to surround our planet,
to encircle my human family,
to illuminate all the darkness.

So I lit three candles,
to create just one moment for us to all stand in the light.
A moment to see each other
and know we are not alone,
to see that our hearts beat together in our sorrow,
as they can beat together again one day in joy.
One moment for us all to stand in the light
and see that they are all our children,
that we all grieve to the core of our being
for the lights we have lost,
as we can heal together for the sake of those lights.

So I lit three candles,
My breath shallow, my cheeks damp, my heart heavy,
And I looked at those lights and I prayed.
I prayed for more lights.
I prayed for an inferno fueled by love,
A fire bright enough to be seen by the angels,
Hot enough to warm a heart cold with sorrow,
Strong enough to kindle a spark.

So I lit three candles 
And I prayed.