-- Twilight’s Lantern --

John Herlihy

The twilight lantern dimming by the second,

On the flames of its heart nobody reckoned.

One final burst of its glowing autumnal hue,

The reds, yellows and oranges into sky flew.

Radiant mystical light briefly born only to die,

The horizon endeavors to utter a whispered sigh.

Time seems to stand still in awe of the mystery,

In the day’s conquest echoes the hush of eternity.

The blood-filled battle spills over horizon’s edge,

As if the day itself is making one last final pledge.

To return once again on the morrow, an act of will,

The twilight’s burning embers quietly smolder still.

The lantern’s dim light now vanished in one final gasp,

Twilight’s miracle fills us with wonder, but doesn’t last.

The light gone, noting left but darkness at earth’s hem,

Twilight, like a flash of lightning, had finally said amen.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Wednesday 24 November 2021