Against a darkness rising

She was born to light.
Sun woke her to morning,
and other starlight guided her through night.
She chased the edges of darkness--
pressed them to dust—
swept them away from her life
and that of those she loved. 

A Neon strobe drew her to waiting mission doors:
Inside, spotlights might beam down on her
or footlights defined her stage,
or sometimes, a chalkboard reflected 
her classrooms’ florescent glow—
circled an arena in which to teach. 
Yet, whether she occupied the platform 
or an audience seat, whether alone or observed,
light emanated from her and focused her task.

And now under December moon’s last cycle,
the lights of Christmas trees and menorahs beckon her—
where family and strangers might warm her

One day death might finally bring her home
to its sweet sleeping silence 
where she may hear falling snow
drift earthbound to cradle her.
Or creature of fire, she may blaze
one last time across a sky, 
a star shooting its heavenly light.  
But for now, there are still paths to illuminate,
and sparks to strike
against the darkness rising.

Mary Fox, a Detroit-born poet, resides in Portland. She has published two poetry chapbooks and her work may also be found in other poetry journals and anthologies and on her author page. She enjoys reading poetry for audiences and works with several area groups to help other writers find their voices.

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