I was drawn one day, near Christmas, to a candle on a shelf,

I went into the shop and bought the candle for myself.

I took it home and placed it with his photo just below,

I lit the wick then gasped in awe for it began to glow.

Not just the flame or close surround but right from top to base,

It's gentle beam then radiated out towards my face.

I managed to remain transfixed by this amazing sight,

Then suddenly my Darling's face appeared within the light.



I blinked so hard I almost fell and stepped back just in case

The vision was a trick, as always, when I saw his face.

But as I opened up my eyes I saw it was my love,

I realised then that God had heard my wishes from above.

I went to speak but all my voice had gone, I had no choice,

But in my head, the vision spoke with that familiar voice.

"Don't be afraid my Darling, I just longed to see again,

The light that dances in your eyes, that glisten still like rain.



I want to see your hair of gold shine in the amber glow,

And watch the shadows lift your face to show the smile below.

I treasure times you laugh, with friends and with our family,

I know your pain, the nights you cry and hold you close to me.

My heart is still your heart, I walk beside you every day,

A love like ours lives on like I had never gone away.

Try not to dwell on sadder times, I have no pain you see

And I want you to enjoy the time, until you come to me.



Live long and happy, always try to relish every day

Safe in the knowledge, if you slip, I'm never far away."

The tears were streaming down my face at words I'd longed to hear

And I stood there rooted to the ground, enduring every tear.

Then quick as that, the flame grew dim, and died before my eyes,

And a tiny stream of vapour then snaked upwards to the skies.

I took the photo underneath and held it to my heart,

And calmness wrapped around me like we'd never been apart.



For many years I've lit that candle every Christmas Day,

It's secret locked within the flame flickering away.

I still think of the vision on that day so long ago.

And I carry on, because I know that he still loves me so.

My heart will always ache for him though tears have mostly dried,

But not because my grief has dissipated since he died.

It's all because that message I received so long ago

Is carried deep inside my heart, no matter where I go.



And the candle ... well its still as bright and never burns away,

Still glowing like a magic beacon every Christmas Day.