"A Hundred Thousand Candles"
The first real snowfall this winter reflects the street lights like the unwavering flame of a hundred thousand candles, casting an orange glow on the world. It is late, and still, and quiet save for the steady wail of a distant wind. A cigarette hangs from my lips and I inhale; I am still, and quiet, save for the steady thoughts of a distant life. I exhale.
It is two winters ago. I am with a friend, and we take steady drags amongst dancing snowflakes. I take his problems upon myself and offer my sympathies. We bond over the process amidst the orange glow. I exhale.
It is one winter ago. I am with a woman, and we take steady drags amongst dancing snowflakes. I am in love, and wish the moment could be frozen like the world around us. We laugh, and our happiness hangs in the cold air. I exhale.
It is the first snowfall of this winter. I am alone, and I take steady drags amongst dancing snowflakes. The friend is gone, and the woman with him. Time has healed those wounds, so I shed no tears as I stand here reflecting, like the unwavering flame of a hundred thousand candles. I exhale.
