Inside the tunnel before me,

Lit only by a faint glow ahead

Many lifeless forms move through this alley

Groping their way like I do forward, instead

Of hiding within some small hole for protection.

As I near the shining spot that flickers brighter,

These forms join me in a march as moths to flame.

The walls widen the closer we move

Until the flicker becomes steady and freezes us in frame,

A picture that scares and chills me as I shove

Them from encircling me around this bonfire.

I know them all—they caused me pain while living

And now see their piteous plight they face by this pyre:

Their eyes plead forgiveness as if they are giving

Me the right to absolve their very souls

But I can only bring to a place of enlightenment

And hope they forgive themselves in this illumination.

© 2006 George E Thompson