Light A Candle

by Sch. Weng Bava, SJ

Light a candle
Not the ordinary ones
You can buy from
Outside the Church
Light one that has scent
And intricately carved
(With flowers or anagrams)

Strike a match
And burn your incense oil
Put bouquets in front
Of the Blessed Mother
Open your novena booklets
And chant the Te Deum
(If it has one)

And while you’re at it—
Kneel
And thank God for your kids
That never have to beg
In the alleys until midnight
Thank Him for your warm
Mattress that the baglady
Dreams of every night
Thank Him for the food
On your table that would soon
Find its way to the dump
(For scavengers to feast on)

And beg Him that He
May not take all these away
Until you only have
A kerosene for a candle
A can of lard for incense
And quickly wilting memories
(As garland fit for a Queen)