Candlewick in shadow
A Revolution, a protest of the poet within the self. Natasha Collazo's poetry prompt.

I cannot resist a poetry fiesta.
🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️🌬️
Candlewick
Have you ever felt snuffed out
Like a candlewick in shadow
As the bright light of the wick
disappears in willowy wisps of smoke.
🌬️
Ever felt your words pinched like snuff
Melting away in slow motion
Like the promised years of three scores and ten
assured by the words of that "Good Book".
🌬️
If you remember nothing else
Remember that once I was happy here
in this ill begotten house
Where words once meant one thing
But now means another
Where, with breathless allure
Promises were whipped into a frenzy
Seeking out the gullible and transparent
Blinding us with a smokescreen.
🌬️
Have you ever stood naked in front of your class
All of your everything bared and exposed
Yet no one notices as you fritter away
upon the winds of time and change.
🌬️
I once was fat with word filled dreams
My altar tricked and beguiled into believing
while I sat in foolish awe of smoke filled promises.
Was I never loved and adored, was It just
a dream I dreamed,
while wishing for acceptance
and a feeling of belonging.
🌬️
Yet, now I am fully awake
I see it all for what it actually is
Those...you and you...like me
Are we all liars searching for
innocent new victims for
Gods and goddesses who use us
To further their ambitions...
🌬️
I now declare that,
I am not a shopworn tired thing
I am EVERYTHING
Existing here, within the REAL
Know me for nothing but me
This Black woman
So done taking your $%^T!!!!

....................................................................................
No longer a candlewick...but a CANDLE
Burning bright!!!
.................................
Join the prompt here.
About the Creator
Novel Allen
You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. (Maya Angelou). Genuine accomplishment is not about financial gain, but about dedicating oneself to activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives


Comments (13)
OH i loved the slow build up to the ending- packs a punch. You really are a candle. 💜
🫰 🫰 🫰 🫰 🫰 this was PHENOMENALLY WRITTEN with it’s beginning middle and end flowing in perfect rhythm
Let em' know No No! Powerful and exquisitely-executed! We need the last two lines on some merch! Get it gurl! 🫶🏾💪🏾🌸
Wonderfully done, Novlet <3
This was soooo freaking powerful! Loved your poem. How have you been doing Momma?
This is one to light a fire under the buttocks! 😁
Sorry for all the crap I've given you, Novel. It does tend to be about all I have to shovel (& I do tend to shovel it deep--again, sorry about that; are you still able to breathe?). Love the poem.
lots of power on last verses
Wow!!! Take a bow! Stellar work, Novel!
Ow Wow! This sure packs a wallop. Loving the strength within the piece
This poem has so much power and beauty in it, Novel. I loved it!
Ow Wow! This sure packs a wallop. Loving the strength within the piece. well said.
Wow!!! Take a bow! Stellar work, Novel! 🤩