Darkness.

Unsure of where you are, how you got there, or even why you are there, you feel confused, alone and afraid.

Again the waves crash over your head. You swim with all your strength, but you are tired, and you are always fighting for breath.  The currents conspire to push you and pull you, sometimes simultaneously, crushing and contorting your fragile frame.

A storm is coming.  You can feel the pressure in the air.  The ocean is dangerous, full of jagged rocks and frightening beasts.  If you slip under, would you drown in the dreary depths, or be battered and bruised in the shallows?

Suddenly you see something.  Just a glimpse from the corner of your eye.  You dismiss it, sceptical, cynical, unsure whether to believe your own sense.  But it is more than a vision, it’s a feeling.  It glows.  There is a light on the horizon, a small star to guide the way.  You battle towards it, constantly contesting the currents, starting to see outlines and shadows of shapes.  Avoid the shadows, head towards the light…

Closer now and you can see the rocks, the swells, the patterns of current.  You learn to ride the tide, cruising on the crests of the waves, ever forward on the flow.  A little steering here and there, to keep on course, but the world is growing brighter.  You know where you are and where you wish to go, and you know you have the skills to get there.  The light is a lighthouse, beaming a bright beacon over the rocks and through the ocean.  Illuminating, warning, helping, saving.

You reach the light and haul your self onto the dry land.  But there is no grand tower of stone, what you thought was a lighthouse was no grand castle, no fortress of safety.  There is no massive structure built through years of labour, no luminous light bulb built through engineering expertise.

It is a simple candle.

And it’s warm.

As you bathe in the candle’s gentle glow, you start to dry.  The cold water that soaked your skin evaporates.  The burden of the sodden weight is lifted, you feel you could almost float.  Warmer now, and dry, you no longer shiver. Your aching muscles feel soothed and relaxed.

No longer fighting the ocean, you are free to look around.  Glancing down you see yourself.  Truly see your self, for once not shrouded by the sea.  No longer drenched and disguised, now you recognise what you are.  A body of wax, a wick.  You smile, and a glowing feeling of joy fills you.  A spark becomes a flame.  Warmth and light radiate from your very being.

Looking out upon the ocean, you can see it now, it is beautiful.  Perfect contours and pure colours.  Miniature details and magnificent distances.  Huge caves to explore and happy creatures to enjoy.  Such great times and adventure.  So much to learn, so much to dream, so much to experience.  Such limitless potential…

You know the ocean and you love the ocean.  But in the dark distance, you hear splashing.  Someone is struggling and fighting for breath.  If only they had a guiding star to help light their way…

It’s a good job that you glow…