they threw their rusted hearts together

ignored the years piled beneath

mere kindling for their funeral pyre

should some thought’s train spark that heat

and left them there as testament

to witness for anyone who cares to see

time matters not for such intersect

this remains through alchemical change

love abides eternally

speak. don’t speak.

pay attention nevertheless.

choose your words with care.

let your silence be kind.

these days the air itself seems harsh

as if daring one to breathe.

do not make your presence

a sharp rock in the way.

we stumble enough on our own.

if I hold in my palm the dancing flame

lit from all the kind candles of love

silhouette it against the darkened sky

will you see and take notice

I’ve seen this light shine in your eyes

felt its warmth in the kindness of your smile

caught its flicker to hold in the night

when cold can slip in under the door

and because I too have been alone

been a stranger hungry and ill

I raise this illumination high as I can

for anyone for everyone for all in need