Breathe Deeply the Wonder<\/p>\n
By<\/p>\n
Jennifer Angelina Petro<\/p>\n
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Everything holds a cache of light.<\/p>\n
You can see it, of course, in the eyes<\/p>\n
And hear it in the singing voice,<\/p>\n
At times it drips from the fingers<\/p>\n
When the touch is one of mercy.<\/p>\n
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When we die—when every living thing<\/p>\n
Dies\u2014that planted light releases<\/p>\n
Into the air, the sky\u2014it lifts, like<\/p>\n
A firefly from the field, and travels<\/p>\n
God knows where.<\/p>\n
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If we could see the light going forth<\/p>\n
From each thing that dies\u2014each person,<\/p>\n
Animal, flower, insect, mite, microorganism\u2014<\/p>\n
It would look like a constant carnival\u2014<\/p>\n
A festival of lanterns, a galaxy of fireflies\u2014<\/p>\n
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Every second of every day\u2014each and every moment\u2014<\/p>\n
Things die all around us\u2014little, luminous lights rise<\/p>\n
From everywhere\u2014bushes, trees, porches,<\/p>\n
Sidewalks, hospitals, homes—everywhere light\u2014<\/p>\n
Light rising, like a million tiny mornings,<\/p>\n
Light diving, like melting snow, back into the earth,<\/p>\n
Light smiling at the sudden spiral into freedom–<\/p>\n
Ascensions bloom all around us, dartling like<\/p>\n
So many intimate flames\u2014<\/p>\n
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If we could see—and we can if we try\u2014<\/p>\n
We would understand we walk through flocks of stars,<\/p>\n
And our steps should be conscious and deliberate\u2014and yet as of a child\u2019s–<\/p>\n
We live and move in light whirling through branches<\/p>\n
And windows, gardens, and streets\u2014<\/p>\n
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And one day, your light\u2014my light\u2014<\/p>\n
Will join the celebration\u2014and someone will marvel<\/p>\n
At light\u2019s agreement with the darkness, pray for the illumination,<\/p>\n
And breathe deeply the wonder.<\/p>\n
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