Light one candle for the Maccabee children. Give thanks that their light didn’t die.
Light one candle for the pain they endured. When their right to exist was denied.
Light one candle for the terrible sacrifice. Justice and freedom demand.
Light one candle for the wisdom to know. When the peace makers time is at hand.
Light one candle for the strength that we need. To never become our own foe.
Light one candle for those who are suffering. The pain we learned so long ago.
Light one candle for all we believe in. Let not anger tear us apart.
Light one candle to bind us together. With peace as the song in our heart.
What is the memory that’s valued so highly. That we keep alive in that flame.
What’s the commitment to those who have died. When we cry out they’ve not died in vain.
We have come this far always believing. That justice will somehow prevail.
This is the burden and this is the promise. And this is why we will not fail.
Don’t let the light go out. It’s lasted for so many years.
Don’t let the light go out! Let it shine through our love and our tears.
-Peter Yarrow