The Candle of My Life

By Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino

March 12, 1976

(3rd Anniversary of the exile to Laur, Nueva Ecija)



I am burning the candle of my life

in the dark with no one to benefit

from its light,


The candle slowly melts away

soon its wick will be burned out,

and the light is gone!


If someone will only gather

the melted wax, reshape it,

give it a new wick

for another fleeting moment

my candle can once again

light the dark

be of service

one more time

and then

Good-bye