Waiting

It waits on the buffet

the slender yellow candle

that hasn't been lit

We, too, are waiting 

for the war without end

to end

for the stolen ones

to be returned, alive 

or dead

or somewhere in between 

Until that time, no thankful glow

no light of gratefulness or

blessing will radiate 

The candle will be as dark

as our thoughts and souls

April 30, 2024