ALL I LEAVE BEHIND BLANKS OUT

All I leave behind blanks out
This candle belonged there once
One black wick to consort with
What of the past, what of now
Remains: names, faces, manners

When I want it lighted, I
Want shadows to take over
Where a touch left off touching
Who wore a smile and for whom
What has grown larger than life

When I want it lighted, I
Want it all aglow upon
My book (except for parts where
I've been faking the words) from
Cradlesong to eulogy

But what to do, baby, when
Darkness at both ends caves in
I haven't a prayer to crack
What God forbids or maybe
Hides in all I leave behind

.copyright © 2003 by Rosendo M Makabali.

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