Light One Candle

On the day of the dead, when the day itself seems to die, we are told to think of death. We are told to think of the deaths of our countrymen. We are told to think of the deaths of the innocent, massacred and martyred. We are told to think of the deaths brought about in revenge. We are told to think of the deaths of more of our countrymen in this moronic quest for revenge.

We are told to think of the death that could be visited upon us. We are told to think of the death that could be visited on others. We are told to think of the death that will be visited upon our countrymen. We are told to think of the death of our men and women in uniform.

Fuck.

That.

Shit.

Yes, death is frightening. It's the great unknown. Death is the final answer to all the questions of life. Death is the point of no return, the terra incognita we all must one day face. Death is the ultimate darkness with which to frighten.

You know what, though? I will not be controlled by fear of the dark.

Yes, death is a constant presence, even more so when we are reminded constantly that our countrymen are dying. It's always near. Death is the constant companion of life, the dark lady to whom we must all pay her due. Of course she is frightening, but we need not be controlled by this.

I will not curse the darkness. There is an adage. “Better to light a candle that curse the darkness.” Thus is my course set.

Bring your darkest nightmares. The only power that fear of the dark holds over me is that which I grant it, and with this flame I deny it. Even if I'm one man walking this dark road alone, it is better to light one candle and face it bravely than to huddle in the dark and hope the shade of black-upon-black passes quietly in the night. So, light a candle.

And let it burn, for the world to see.

That little flame, that flickering pool of light? That is something worth looking that dark maiden in the eyes for.