yankee

we've had this candle since about october-
its 'balsam and cedar' flavored
(are candles flavored?)
my dad likes getting in the holiday spirit early.
it is here, on the island in the kitchen and it
has barely moved from its original position.
it has done its job well and now
the green-dyed wax level is low.
so low that no one can get their fingers in
and light it with a match.
the rim of the jar that its in is
covered in soot.
looking through it, i see my
kitchen like an old photoplate,
greyed, sepia and devoid.

oh, candles are scented.