One Candle Short in the Darkness
Soft piano music played in the background; my
parents joined the congregation, and I, dressed
in a cream colored taffeta dress, patent leather
shoes, and black ribbons in my hair,
lined up with the other kids down the hallway.
Our teacher handed each of us a long white candle,
then lit the wicks before we walked into the church.
As lights dimmed, we smiled and began to sing:
"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine…"
My parents waved from the second pew,
and I felt comforted by rows of familiar faces.
Soon the last verse began:
"Don't let Satan blow it out! I'm gonna let it shine…"
I glanced at my candle-- there was no flame.
Darn! Someone left the door open, and he slipped in.
