I

a candle in darkness

hello darkness my old friend
just when we think we’ve seen it all
like a candle in the wind

another blow, the nightmare never ends
as criminals plan their next cabal
hello darkness my old friend

I can’t bear to watch, the bitter end
democracy on life support will fall
like a candle in the wind

we’re spiraling on a downward trend
the people cry but no one hears their call
hello darkness my old friend 

we told the truth, our differences to mend 
they called us traitors from behind their wal
like a candle in the wind

there is no middle ground on which to stand
our leaders on a binge have gone awol
hello darkness my old friend 
like a candle in the wind

-kat

NaGloPoWriMo 11April 2025 Prompt: take a look at Kyle Dargan’s “Diaspora: A Narcolepsy Hymn.” This poem is a loose villanelle that uses song lyrics as its repeating lines (loose because it doesn’t rhyme).  Your challenge is, like Dargan, to write a poem that incorporates song lyrics – ideally, incorporating them as opposing phrases or refrains.

Today’s glimmer…bluejays at the crow feeder. Bluejays can be obnoxious creatures. What started as a feeding tray for my crow friends has quickly become host to dozens of blue jays. I have been putting out more peanuts specifically for the crows mid-day when the jays are off doing whatever it is they do.

There are people who act like these jays. They are obnoxious and will push for their own interest above others, even if it means encroaching on someone else’s portion. And then there are those who wait, coming in at the back of the line after everyone else has had their fill. They may even find that their favorite dishes are empty by the time they come to fill their plate. And it’s perfectly fine with them. Potlucks are not about the food, they are about community, and gratefulness for having one’s needs met.

Much love, peace, and glimmers of gratefulness to you,

~kat✨✨💚✨✨