I light the single candle
As the last glow of twilight fades from the evening sky
Darkness enfolds me
Broken only by one flicker of light
Throughout this long, dark night
This solitary flame will continue to burn steadfastly
As did the bonfires
On the hillsides and squares of ancient civilizations
This simple act
This ritual performed by me, as by so many before
Will light us through
The darkest and longest night of the entire year
When dawn breaks
The sunlight will return to warm our hearts
And tomorrow night
Will be long and dark… but two seconds shorter