Candles in the Wind

Advent's candles start afresh,

adding more light each week

as our hemisphere sinks

into winter's pall.

By the time we begin

the big celebration,

all four pillars of flame

surround the Christ Candle. 

Lent is a great reversal;

seven lit candles shining

into winter's night,

promising hope still,

but fading, one by one,

as the weeks progress,

foreshadowing Jerusalem's blindness. 

   Soon after the palms are waved,

   the only fire in many hearts

   is fueled by fear,

   generating little light and

   much destructive heat.

      "Hosanna!" so easily morphs

      into "Give us Barabbas!"

      and then "Crucify him!" 

         This anger outlasts the day,

         carrying its vitriol deep

         into the night,

         leaving the vigil

         in heavy shadows. 

Still, we hope into the depths,

motionless against the silence;

waiting for at least one sun to rise. 

© 2016 Todd Jenkins