lighting up time

trees are toppled                                                      

tinsel tucked away
baubles buried
deep
in boxes
under our stairs.

lights, illuminated,
are eliminated

and extinguished as

electricity exhales,
happy to take a breather.

spiced orange scents
linger
to remind us

of mulled wine warmth

and midwinter mirth.

in a city of lights

plunged into darkness

we are now the candles:

high on a hill

all that is left

brief

but burning bright
staying lit
shining strong
flickering on.


Posted for Poetry Jam: Candles and Poets United