Candle Flames

By Diane Elayne Dees

In memory of Melanie Safka

Candle flames still outlast the rain
from time to time. They shine
their flickering light on you–
standing alone, defiant, on Powder Ridge,
your golden voice amplified by the power
of an ice cream truck, your will
fortified by your childlike hope
and a lifelong supply of wicked humor.
Peace never came while you were here;
it feels like it never will. Now you are gone,
and we are left to cry the tears,
sing the songs, and gather strength—
as best we can—to ring the living bell.

Diane Elayne Dees is the author of the chapbooks, *Coronary Truth* (Kelsay Books), The Last Time I Saw You (Finishing Line Press), and The Wild Parrots of Marigny (Querencia Press). She is also the author of four Origami Poems Project microchaps, and her poetry, short fiction and creative nonfiction have been published in many journals and anthologies. Diane, who lives in Covington, Louisiana, also publishes Women Who Serve, a blog that delivers news and commentary on women’s professional tennis throughout the world. Her author blog is Diane Elayne Dees: Poet and Writer-at-Large.