It's Still Life

As Bright as Heaven’s Candle *

My dad always
left the porch light on for me,
though Mum said
it was so I didn’t
stand on the front steps,
kissing and
giggling and
touching, and giving
the neighbours something
to gossip about.
But I knew better.
Dad didn’t care
about the neighbours;
he only cared that
I came home safe,
and I reckon God
keeps a candle burning
at heaven’s door for me,
just like Dad did — waiting
for my safe return home.

*Bright as heaven’s candle – paraphrased from Beowulf
written for Poetic Asides “As (blank) as (blank)”