The Green Candle in the Window

“Son, what did you say? I don't want to believe my ears.
I hoped this wouldn't happen, but sadly I've known for many years,
“I knew you would want to grow up and be just like your dad.
If he could only see you right now, I know he would be glad”

I never thought I’d be a mom that said goodbye to her son
But he’s been a man and told me, “The days of easy work are done”
He’s told me how he wants to free another dictated nation
So I’ll just keep my prayers with him, wherever he is stationed

He took my hand in his and wiped my tears dry.
“Mom, I'll be fine. Don't worry, and please don't cry.”
I couldn't help but think of his father and his horrible fate,
He died in the war, too young, at the age of twenty-eight.

I told him I’d place a green candle in the window at night
I said I’d always let it burn, it would represent his fight
He said if he ever gets a break he will write me a letter
Explaining what’s going on with the war, the food, and the weather

I didn't cry as I watched his bus pull away,
All I could do was stand there, wave and pray.
“Lord, please take care of my baby for me.
Be with him as he sets those poor people free.”

The green candle stayed lit for a while
I knew he was alright, so throughout the day I smiled
I was a bit disappointed though, that only one letter came
I bet he didn’t know how much it meant, I even put it in a frame

I was sitting in my room one night, in my favorite rocking chair,
Watching the candle's flame dance in the window's glare.
Suddenly, the fire blew out. I tried to revive it, but something was wrong.
The wick just wouldn't light, and that's when I knew he was gone.

The same thing happened to my husband when he passed
His candle blew out when he was bombed and tear gassed
I just knew I shouldn’t have let my only son go
He should have just settled for his stubborn moms “no”

It was one week later, when a black car pulled up at my door.
I didn't want to talk to them, I hated this whole war.
I had to sit and listen, as they told me about my heroic son,
And he smiled and said, “maim I have good news, we won”

I said, “Well I don’t understand, why are you here?
You have me a nervous wreck and spewing out tears”
He said, “Your son is being honored, he’s got his fathers genes”
Maim your son is one of the hardest working men I’ve ever seen”

I sat and realized; he was alive and ready to walk through the door
And the green candle blowing out, symbolized an end to war