Lonely Flame

As burns a lonely flame in Night

Assailed by winds of doubt and fear

And sees alone its lonely shadow

Casting circles faint and pale,

No comrade light within its scope

To gain admittance widening

The frail and meagre flickering--

The faithful know the awesome truth

Of Night's descending dreadful dark

When the soul that is once touch by Light

Must cross those portals, the doors of death,

And face the reign of blackness square

And know the saving Hands are there

While silent sinks the grasping past.

First published in Mother India - October 1971