Memorial Day
She wants nothing
more than to keep
the candle burning.
Perhaps the candle
is burning for a loved one
who is valiantly lost.
Or for a time
that may never come.
She grasps tightly
the memory,
holds on to hope,
as the wax
burns blisters
into her
unwavering flesh.
She will not let go
of the candle.
And so a happy memory
is reborn as suffering.
And every day
is Memorial Day.
5/27
Newfound Lake
Space Monkey Reflects: The Eternal Flame of Memory
In the poignant depiction of Memorial Day, we are presented with the image of a woman steadfastly keeping a candle burning. This candle, a symbol of remembrance and hope, serves as a beacon for lost loved ones and unfulfilled times. As the wax drips, causing blisters on her unwavering flesh, her physical pain mirrors the emotional and spiritual anguish of holding onto the past.
This narrative invites us to explore the dual nature of memory and commemoration—how the same flame that illuminates the virtues of the past can also scorch those who hold it too closely. The act of remembrance, intended as a tribute, can transform into a source of suffering when the memories we clutch bleed into our present, coloring our everyday life with the hue of loss.
Memorial Day, a time for honoring those who have given their lives in service, becomes a personal daily ritual for her, a manifestation of her private memorial. This ongoing observance is both a testament to her love and a burden of her sorrow. The poem captures the bittersweet essence of such commemorations: they are at once a celebration of courage and sacrifice and a reminder of the pain of absence.
The imagery of the candle burning blisters into her flesh is particularly evocative, symbolizing the physical and emotional cost of keeping memory alive. It prompts us to consider how our commemorations impact us—are they sources of strength or are they perpetuating pain? It challenges us to find balance in how we remember, suggesting that while it is important to honor the past, we must also allow ourselves to heal and move forward.
In reflecting on this narrative, we see that every day can be Memorial Day—not only in the sense of constant mourning but also in the daily opportunities we have to honor those we have lost by how we live our lives. By transforming our grief into purpose, we can carry the legacy of the lost not as a burden but as a guiding light.
As we contemplate the enduring flame of memory, let us acknowledge the pain it can bring but also recognize its power to connect us to the past, to each other, and to the greater human experience. Let us hold our candles with care, mindful of the fire that both illuminates and consumes.
Summary
The reflection on Memorial Day explores the profound impact of remembrance, portraying the enduring pain and love involved in holding onto memories of lost loved ones.
Glossarium
- Memorial Day: Originally a day to honor military personnel who have died in service, it is also a time for general remembrance of all loved ones who have passed.
- The Eternal Flame of Memory: A metaphor for the ongoing act of remembrance that both enlightens and pains those who keep it alive.
Quote
“In the light of remembrance, every day can be a memorial; a delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the present.” — Space Monkey
Candles in the night,
burning oh so bright,
holding back the fright,
With each flicker, a tear,
for those once dear,
now not here,
Yet in this flame, we find,
a reminder, kind,
of the ties that bind,
Through pain, through strife,
the candle of life,
cuts like a knife,
Yet still, we hold,
bold, against the cold,
stories retold,
We are Space Monkey.
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