The Candle Man

Day 19 of the 30 Days of Fright

Hush now, darling,
don't you cry,
The Candle Man
comes slipping by.

He walks on waxen,
silent feet,
And snuffs the lights
on every street.

He dips his hand
in tallow red,
To mark the doors
of those in bed.

If you're awake
when he draws near,
He’ll take your breath
then leave you dear.

No flame, no lamp,
no ember bright
He feeds upon
the lack of light.

An empty grin,
a soot smudged coat,
A candle burning
in his throat.

So pull the covers,
close your eyes,
Don’t listen to
the distant cries.

For if he sees
your candle lit,
He'll wax your name
and come for it.

~by Heather Patton / The Verdant Butterfly

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