Candles

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Tue, 10 Dec 2024
  • 370 reads
10 comments
 
What can one say about candles?
The vocabulary is varied and vast.
Blocks of wax, rarely used today,
they are relics of an ancient past.
 
The invention of Edison's electric
light bulb made them obsolete, but
they are functional and effective 
on the occurrence of a power cut.
 
Though that source of light faded
references to wax tapers remain
in the form of idiomatic phrases
that are etched inside our brains.
 
If someone is not equal to a task
which his boss is able to handle
people will say that to his master
he is not fit to hold the candle.
 
Be careful not to exhaust yourself
by overindulging, my dear friends;
you will be going to an early grave
if you burn the candle at both ends.
 
When someone gives me much
unwarranted and  unjustified stick
I become outraged and go mad;
I yell, go away: you get on my wick.
 
Many maxims on a similar vein
remind us of that spent luminance;
some that hit the nail on the head,
others that are of lesser relevance.
 
 
 
© Luigi Pagano 2024
 
 
Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Turlough on

I enjoyed your poem, Luigi. So much so that I'm inclined to wax lyrical about it. It certainly deserves a Wikipedia entry. Writing it must have taken a lot of time and effort on your part. You must have been burning the candle at both ends. 

Turlough

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed the poem, Turlough. It didn't take much effort, and I didn't burn the candle at both ends, but I burned the midnight oil. As for a Wikipedia entry, I don't think the game is worth the candle.

Cheers and thanks to you and the editor who has supplied the cherished cherries.

 

Submitted by Caldwell on

Not sure about their lack of relevance in the modern world. I am sure Elton John's accountant would say that candles - particularly those in the wind - are still vital.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Very true but. for Elton John it was just a breeze. laugh

Best, Luigi

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

Like your poem Luigi on candles, bit tricky hey? We had to dust off all our candle holders last year, not at all as romantic as made up to be. Even so, indeed the birth rate did show marked increase.

.Tom

 

Submitted by Turlough on

Congratulations on your happy event(s) Tom.

Turlough

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

The motto of the Boys Scuts' movement is "Be Prepared" and you obviously were, Tom. Darkness can confuse. At night, one can easily lose one's way and accidents may happen laugh

Good luck.

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

Tell me 'bout it.

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

Skillful poem, Luigi! Also, had not thought how many idioms are based on candles, how big a part of language they were! Made me try to think of how many lightbulb idioms there are and only lightbulb moment came to mind. Which is sad, feels like we are less inventive with words nowadays. Or maybe I am not so good at marshalling idioms as you :0) Hope you are well and staying warm

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hello Di. You are tight, there are many idioms related to candles and basically one for light bulb. I have only been able to find two variations of a 'flashbulb moment'; they are 'a light bulb goes on in one's brain' or 'a light bulb goes on in one's head' but the meaning is the same.
I am well, thank you, and trying my best to keep warm.

Luigi x