streetlights
Jul. 19th, 2012 01:32 pmstreetlights
by Everett A Warren
August 14, 2000
as i walk down twilit lanes i find myself cloaked in darkness
where only so recently before there was light
it is unnerving when the glow so suddenly dims
and i pause a little but fear not in the least for another bright circle awaits
mere steps away i stride towards the light
alas to my dismay it flickers once and then it has gone away
am i filled with such darkness, i wonder, that the very light fears me?
that shadows must follow me? that light must not shine upon me?
apprehensive, now, as each safe, sweet light in turn gives way to darkness at my step
self-conscious, aware that the lights stay bright for others, so strange they fade as i approach
they say to never look back and thus i turn slowly, inevitably, to look over my shoulder
to see the lights return, flickering, then steady
like to the smile upon my face for i recall, now, that these lights do not fade as the night falls
for in the darkness they glow brightly, as they must, to illuminate the way
so with lighter step now i tread, as before me they wink out, returning when i pass
each one an affirmation of what lies within, a judgment by those who bring the light
Copyright (c) 2000 Everett Ambrose Warren