Wednesday, 10 April 2013

Candle danger #NaPoWriMoDayTen

Electric flame
Health and safety mission
Something missing

Prayers said
Candle lit as symbol
All safe

Costs high
Never enough volunteers
Reduce work

Xxx

Mess from wax
Needs to be cleaned
Danger of fire
Needs to be preened

     Prayers uplifted
     Always use candles
     It doesn't need changing
     There are no vandals

Too much risk
We can't afford to take
Battery powered candles
Are much more safe

     Safer yes
     But missing the point
     A living flame
     Does all anoint

Sorry, we've decided
This is the new way
Dangerous candles
Are things of yesterday

Xxxxxx

These haiku and poems were inspired by the real toads NaPoWriMo challenge to write a poetic document of discussion.  Memories of Barcelona recorded for posterity.

7 comments:

Hannah said...

"A living flame
Does all anoint"

Emma, this line is so powerful!!

Ellecee said...

I enjoyed this so much. Enjoyed both poetic forms. It is so sad that the use of lit candles in special places and for special occasions is giving way to the electric or battery operated ones. It just doesn't feel the same to me. You have said it so well.

Kay L. Davies said...

Oh my goodness, and with a cover and a coin slot. Well, I guess it is safer. Might make more sense if the electric flames were wind- or solar-powered, gifts from God returned to God, just as a living flame.
K

Isadora Gruye said...

I do prefer the actual candles to those silly batttery operated toys. I was ever so pleased to see you document this debate as part of my prompt. Viva la

Unknown said...

I feel the same way, Emma, when I enter houses of worship wherein candles have been replaced with flameless replicas. Something is definitely lost in transition.

Ella said...

Finding the light in this poem :D
Inner flame finds a way!
I vote for safety~

Margaret said...

...really? I mean, if candles are handled properly they are fine... Sadly, is it because of liability? Wow.