The Wick of Life

You are not alone. 
You are trampled, but not completely crushed. 
The wick of life still burns within, 
a small flame that casts its flickering light 
to any who take notice. 

I know you are hurt. 
I, too, am a victim, though in my case 
I am both victim and villain, 
the cause of most of my pain. 
I do not doubt that you are your own villain too. 
Actually, I am sure that most of humanity 
is its own villain. 
We try to crush ourselves, 
and failing that, 
we try to crush others. 

What is the antidote to this? 
First, we must put a stop to this madness. 
We must look deep within 
and see not something to be punished, 
but to be pitied. 
Our own hearts condemn us, 
and then they condemn the world. 
Instead, let us rebuke our callous hearts, 
admonishing them for such abuse, 
and then gently encourage them to sing 
in strains of love and kindness. 

This is not something that will be accomplished overnight. 
Like strengthening a muscle, we must repeat this action, 
stopping our heart from violence, 
whether upon ourselves or others, 
and gently guide it towards love. 
We must keep a close eye on it, 
for of all things it is the most treacherous, 
and not allow it to fall back into abusive behaviour. 

And when our hearts overflow with love, 
then our mouths will drip with honey, 
and our eyes will sparkle like the sun on the lake, 
and we will reach out and transform others. 
The wick of life will become a thick, braided cord, 
you and I and Jehovah, 
burning brighter and brighter without letup, 
until the world is naught but light.