AND STILL THE CANDLE BURNED
When first she rose
by the light of a single candle,
she smiled a disparaging smile.
She loved him still,
though on her shoulders sorrow weighed,
worn like a flowing silken shawl.
Her hair now grey,
she wore so well her natures gifts
which providence had provided.
He’d uttered words
against the tenets of his creed
with deep regret upon review.
And she forgave,
as condemnation left her heart
and through it all the candle burned.