Why I chose "Candles" by Carl Dennis

    Of all the poems that could have been chosen for the Poetry Out Loud assignment, I had to find an easy way to sift through the many works. I looked alphabetically trying to find poems with titles that interested me. When I saw Candles, I clicked the link because I have always had an affinity for candles. But when I read the poem, the message was much more meaningful to me than the simple title. It touches upon grief, but not in a way that is sad or morbid. It touches on grief in a way that is bright and hopeful. The poem takes the reader on a journey that would otherwise go unnoticed.
     I have heard of the six degrees of separation before--the belief that you are no more than six people away from everyone in the world. This is such a fascinating but unbelievable concept. Candles uses an anecdote that intertwines the stories of two people who have passed. It asks the reader if instead of burning a candle for their grandmother if they could burn a candle for someone who was not lucky enough to meet her. I think this statement is really powerful and shows a real respect for all humanity and that is why I really liked it.  I would definitely consider myself a person who has a real love and respect for all humanity so the message of this poem spoke to me. I did not just want to choose a poem because it was easy to memorize, because Candles is definitely not a short one. I think the way all the different times of life are described are really beautiful as well. I think this poem was very well-written and heartfelt which is why I chose it.