Good Night! Which Put The Candle Out?

This brief but impactful poem is a poignant exploration of themes of loss and the impermanence of life, wrapped in the metaphor of extinguishing a candle. The poet uses the candle's flame as a symbol of life or hope, suggesting that its extinction could have significant, unseen repercussions.

The tone of the poem feels somber and reflective, mirroring the serious nature of its themes. The structure, consisting of two six-line stanzas, helps emphasize the two main ideas: the extinguishing of the candle and the potential consequences of this action. The poet's use of personification, referring to the wind as a "jealous zephyr," adds emotional depth and intrigue to an otherwise simple action. The poem concludes with an open-ended question, leaving the reader to ponder the unseen impacts of actions and the fragility of life.

The standout literary device used in this poem is the extended metaphor of the candle's light representing life or hope. Through the metaphor, the poet suggests that the extinguishing of a light could symbolize the ending of a life or the dashing of hope. The poet further develops this metaphor by suggesting the light could be a beacon for a lost sailor or a lamp guiding a drummer—emphasizing the potential value and importance of each life. The poem thus prompts readers to consider the profound impacts of loss, both seen and unseen.