When shadows creep on sight’s periphery,

Encroaching from all compass points I see,

It’s hard to grasp light’s presence still at play -

Pinpricks peeking through in furtive rays.

Yet focusing on gloom is antithesis

To grit and growth. So shift perspectives;

Mine your mind for hints of hope between

The darker shades this scene’s bequeathed its screen.

For somewhere, stars still glint in skies gone dim.

Listen — silent songs still flit and skim

On wisping winds. And here, behold — my friend

Extends a hand, loyalty they lend.

So I will lift my face towards dawn’s first signs,

Embrace glints and glimmers, silver linings,

That persist, insistence, to exist, resist

Fading even on the blackest mist.

I’ll set sights on sparks, salvage and save

Each ember, aberrant flick and wave,

Tending patiently their flicker and flare

Until burning bright enough to share.

For this I know — the deepest dark creates

Contrast that lets light’s luxury resonate.

Out of stygian nights, the strongest rays ascend -

Radiance above all reason can transcend.

So bring on storming skies and roiling thunder!

I’ll harvest hope’s diffuse light — blunder

Through rain’s veil, prevail, spurred ahead still

By glimpses of glimmer piercing shadows’ chill.

~ Wayne Anderson