Darkness gathers thick and threatening

hands gleefully rubbing, ready,

but the flame flickers in the darkness

bouncing shadows off the wall

and darkness shrinks back, startled

~~~~

It only takes one small flame to do this,

because light is stronger and darkness

will always recede when light

is in the room. Remember this

when hope is dim and joy has fled

~~~~

The dark, while dense and imposing,

muscles flexing and intentions clear,

cannot withstand the light of even

the least of flames and magnifies

the presence of light simply by existing

~~~~

So, allow the dark to enhance the light

and focus on the flame. Protect

it, embrace it and the darkness will

flee every-single-time

~~~~

©Heather Pound 2022