Triplets on the mantle.

Three candles

red, brown, and green.

with blackened ash coated

wicks.

In front of the painting with the cracked

glass front.

You shattered Prince Edward Island

when you were a baby

your parents say.

Now they sit, dejected, on the mantle

like a losing politician.

burned out during a power outage.
And now sit on the white brick

fireplace.

Alone.

and dark.