Gene Belmont is another regular at the Maui Live Poets gatherings.  I especially love his story poems about the by-gone days of his raucous youth.  When I asked him for a poem that held special meaning for him, he sent me this pensive, meditative one that he had written….

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COMPLETE CANDLE

I’m 82

and I’ve known

the light and dark

places

the light was easy

the dark was hard

and still is

 

but always, always

as from a candle

a little flame

in heart and mind

gives ease and guidance

 

when it seems the flame is out

a spark remains

 

I’ve said

I can’t go on

but the spark said

you can and you will

and I did and I do

 

I’ve said

I’m all done

but the wisp of smoke above the spark

said

you’re not and march on

and I wasn’t and I’m still marching

 

I’ve said

that life is crap

but in the dark

the oily odor of the wick

said

it’s not and fertilize your dreams

and it isn’t and I’ve grown

 

always

even when the flame is out

a spark remains

and pushes back the dark

Gene Belmont 2/26/2015 ©

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He says, “I wrote this poem straight through in one sitting. I read it once in silence, and once again aloud. My thought was that if I fiddled with it the rhythm would be compromised. Not editing.  Unforgivable I know, but I stand fast.”

Hee!  That’s cool, Gene.  Thanks, eh!

Picture credit:  Flame by Clare Black via Flickr [CC BY 2.0]

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Please note:  If you would like to contribute a poem to this blog, please let me know by leaving a comment below.  I’d be happy to hear from you.

I do ask three things of my guest poets:

• a poem of your own making that has great meaning and mana for you,
• the back-story for the poem — what inspired you or how you made it or whatever you want to tell about it, and
• an image you own that I can use as the featured photo in the header. (The last is optional. I do ask that the image you share is one you own — either an image of yourself or something that relates to the poem.  If you choose not to send an image, then I’ll go find something that works.)

If you click on this thing –> “Guest Poet Portal” you can submit a poem right now.

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Thanks for your visit.  I’d appreciate it if you would drop a note or comment below and tell me your thoughts.