FLICKERINGS

BIG FIRES FLAMES

turned us on
got us going
made us feel alive

the best of us could juggle
four or five dazzling, flashing torches
even swallow fire

ooooooooooo aaaaaaaahhhhhhh
chanted the admiring crowds

we were swept up, carrid high
chaired around our blazing bonfires

now we catch reflections
of our fading fires

in The Darkening Hall of Aging
we are asked to slowly, thoughtfully
gather a myriad of flickering vigil lamps

tend them gently
rearrange them as needed

delight in each small flame:
a smile late afternoons rain
fresh bread the moon

as our older houses dim and quiet
we may gather our little hearth lights
to suit our selves just so

we are invited now
to create time and space
for gentler dances
to warm our halls

soul fires