Poets logo

Candlewick in shadow

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

By Novel AllenPublished 9 months ago 1 min read

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.

Free Verseperformance poetry

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

  1. Excellent storytelling

    Original narrative & well developed characters

  2. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

  3. Easy to read and follow

    Well-structured & engaging content

  1. On-point and relevant

    Writing reflected the title & theme

  2. Expert insights and opinions

    Arguments were carefully researched and presented

  3. Compelling and original writing

    Creative use of language & vocab

  4. Eye opening

    Niche topic & fresh perspectives

Add your insights

Comments (13)

Sign in to comment
  • River and Celia in Underland 9 months ago

    OH i loved the slow build up to the ending- packs a punch. You really are a candle. 💜

  • Natasha Collazo9 months ago

    🫰 🫰 🫰 🫰 🫰 this was PHENOMENALLY WRITTEN with it’s beginning middle and end flowing in perfect rhythm

  • Tiffany Gordon9 months ago

    Let em' know No No! Powerful and exquisitely-executed! We need the last two lines on some merch! Get it gurl! 🫶🏾💪🏾🌸

  • Mother Combs9 months ago

    Wonderfully done, Novlet <3

  • This was soooo freaking powerful! Loved your poem. How have you been doing Momma?

  • L.C. Schäfer9 months ago

    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.

  • Sid Aaron Hirji9 months ago

    lots of power on last verses

  • Nurul Islam9 months ago

    Wow!!! Take a bow! Stellar work, Novel!

  • Nurul Islam9 months ago

    Ow Wow! This sure packs a wallop. Loving the strength within the piece

  • Lana V Lynx9 months ago

    This poem has so much power and beauty in it, Novel. I loved it!

  • Antoni De'Leon9 months ago

    Ow Wow! This sure packs a wallop. Loving the strength within the piece. well said.

  • Lamar Wiggins9 months ago

    Wow!!! Take a bow! Stellar work, Novel! 🤩

Find us on social media

Miscellaneous links

  • Explore
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support

© 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.