Little Candles, Little Flames

Photography by Sixteen Miles Out via Unsplash

I don’t know

How long the little candle at my desk will burn for.

(You read the fine print for me.)

I can’t tell when the wear under my knees will stay,

If my cartilage will have the chance to melt away.

But, you say that you’re certain

and sometimes I hate you for it.

Most times I don’t believe you.

But, I still turn pages and plans at the drop of a cough.

(You look to me when we’re standing at the side of the hospital bed.)

We may be hypocritical for that, I don’t know.

(I’ll cover for you and you’ll cover for me.)

Fatema Rahaman is the creative writing team director and a poet for the Incandescent Review. Her work is often inspired by her culture and love for imagery and nature. She has been previously published by Hey Young Writers and her work has been recognized by New York Times and Molloy College.