Yartzheit*

A candle burns,
Marking the day of your birth-death,
And we pause
to remember:
Yartzeit

In the glow of light, we recall the darkness;
In the warmth it radiates, we recall the chill
Of that tragic day just two years ago.
The wick grows short
And we remember:
Yartzeit

For 24 hours the flame will burn,
Gradually dimming and slowly melting
The once firm pillar of wax.
And in the puddle it leaves behind
We remember:
Yartzeit

For every day is an anniversary

Of the short time we had you
And the day we lost you.

Every day is an anniversary

Of a unique moment we shared.

Each new day is an anniversary Of our long months of grief and The welcome months of healing.
Even without a candle We remember.

We kindle your memory always:
Yartzeit

*Yartzeit is the Yiddish word for anniversary. It is customary in the Jewish tradition to light a special 'Yartzeit candle' on the anniversary of the death of a loved one.