we light the candles
and set the lanterns free on
the current.
the line makes its way
out into the bay and turns
the corner into open ocean,
the water calm,
the sky calm, the heart
steady.
this is a way to remember
the way home.
sitting on a boat
drinking wine with
strangers,
taking in this moment
as the light fades.
back on dry land
there are different rhythms,
the waves of loss and
something close to joy,
the way a smile slowly
emerges
even as sadness fills the
body,
the way every light
reminds you of the ones you
love
and
the ones left behind.
