When In Darkness (WC)

(Wendy Cabell, November 18, 2023, feast day of (above) Our Lady of Chiquinquira, Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, Saint Mabyn/Mabenna of Cornwall, Blessed Karoliny Kózkówny and Noah the Patriarch. Image from here.)

When In Darkness

(adventures in severe light sensitivity) 

"You get in there and fight it", says optometrist–

                                                                           though not how. 

“Likely a systemic issue, hard to treat” says another doctor, closing door.  

You get in there and cope, says self. Adapt the home, cover the windows, mask the

glare. Hunt for red and amber nightlights, light candles. Don red glasses, a dear gift

from Mom. When your Aunt finds a computer your eyes can handle, cry “Alleluia!”

You get in there and reap, says Spirit–-Cherish Light. Let the air in. They say

Icons are windows to Heaven, now near forty ringing these walls. Note             

                                        “the light shines in the darkness, and the 

                                    darkness has not overcome it.” --John 1:5

                                       

You get in there, as in inward

the appointed meeting place.

You get in there--

where the Light is

*From Prompt: Write list of difficult things have learned or accomplished, then choose one, ponder what the difficulties were there and how made things work (think both concrete and metaphorical/fanciful), how it changed you, changed world--then free write as inspired by Ellen Bass' "How to Apologize". From Robbi Nester's Saturday Generative Writing class (the Poetry Salon), November 18, 2023.