Stark days
So hard to believe people mean
such evil things
so much surprise despite warnings.
Dark clouds
lightning strikes
But after shock, folks are aroused
to lift their lights.
Stand for what’s right.
Know the power and strength that is kindness.
Black hearts do not win for long
History knows, peace is stronger.
Empathy is mighty.
Time for mindfulness and doing whatever you should
for good.
Here is the true thing, my children.
It is dark outside.
There are beasts with teeth and claws,
prepared to rip and tear you into tiny bits.
Oh, yes, my children,
it is dark outside.
You must beware.
.
But come, my children,
here is another true thing.
There is light outside.
It glows from windows and from hearts;
it pulls what’s apart, together, wrapping gleaming strands
of hope, that shimmer if you look just so.
See?
There in your heart: a star!
Dare, my children, to shine.
It is dark outside.
You must
Be light.
snow falling
between the rain
the pavement becomes a black hole
sucking out the light
I return hoping
but the house is cold
and I must find
my own dinner.
The light is behind you
and you are a glorious silhouette
You see only shadows,
but we see beauty.
When the road is dark
illuminated only be the narrowest of beams
look above to the sparkling canopy of stars
and ahead to the distance glow
and know
illumination is out there.
Out, out brief candle
The spark of light
Is too difficult to handle
Beyond the might
Of simple mortals.
So much better to embark
through gleaming portals
into eternal dark.
Shawn L. Bird 