Easing and Ceasing

 

 

 

Softening the Soul (by Robert J. Wicks)

 Lighting a candle
 in a dark room
 is a small gentle act of peace.

 

 When the match touches the wick,
 time slows down
 and the race to the future ceases.

 

 Worries are consumed
 anxiety burns out
 and I sigh deeply.

 

 Watching the flickering light
 is a graceful prayer
 which eases my stress and lessens my strain.

 

 Finally when the flame goes out
 I turn quietly back,
 to the events of the day . . .

 

 And find everything changed because of the time
 I sat softening my soul
 ...by candlelight.