in the deepest well of winter
where all is cold and dark
a single flame
a splinter
smiles
and makes a spark
the next night
she arrives again
sweet essence withno name
and a neighbor just across the way
kindles his own flame
the third night mist appears
with prickly nips and bites
two neighbors flicker without fear
and look
a third ignites
on and on throughout the week
and one day more for cheer
like strands of fireflies in the night
each flashing bright and clear
one smile invites another
one hug
and soon there’s eight
expanding circles ’round the world
as they outward radiate
and we hold this moment sacred
as our hearts we dedicate
to Peace
Compassion
acts of Love
–and with latkis we celebrate!
Holding hands with each of you on the fifth night of Hanukkah, Blessings of light and peace to all!
Jewniquely Myself 
This is soooo beautiful – the lights – Hanukkah and you. Thank you for spreading your very, very, very special brand of sweetness, love and compassion. Feel blessed and grateful. 🙂 Wish you blessed and divine celebrations, with the light in your heart and all around. 🙂
The night just got brighter withyour sweet, sparkling words, my darling Krishnapriya…I’m still lingering over your stories and will write more, but holding them near my heart…blessings and love, my dear, dear friend…always so grateful to find you ievident n my world…doves of peace to you! my
Thank you for your beautiful heart. Don’t feel any pressure – if it is too hard to understand or work, just let go. Grateful for the doves of peace – i can use them today. 🙂
Reblogged this on Campbells World and commented:
So sorry this is late.
LOVE this one, Joan.
I can feel the flickering and the peacefulness as one by one the candles ignite.
I love the lack of punctuation – which provides the flowing of the words without stop signs or directions from the writer. On the page, this piece works well visually, as well as when read aloud. Beautiful work and beautiful sentiments.
Thank you so much, Linda. Your words mean a lot to me. Blessings and light for a wondrous day!
Reblogged this on SCAN and commented:
I am re-blogging this lovely poem on SCAN.
I like to SHARE the HAPPINESS of our lives and this poem does it.
Amen and Amen. Thank you, Joan for sharing this with us today.