I want you to know
because maybe you don’t
Maybe they didn’t teach you
or maybe they taught you the opposite
In home
In prayer
In school
I know I wasn’t taught to even think of you
to surmise you
to know you have existed
That you exist
that you live
and love
and care
and breathe
But here it is
I have stopped imagining
simple as day
on this hollow and deathly night:
If they came for you
really
If they came for you
and yes they’re coming
again
I would not watch you burn
I would not take up the pitchfork of silent hallowed throwing flame
Rather
I would hold my candle to your candle
And I would make sure
with my life
That your life
and all the lives that flow through your life
Steadfastly
Luminescently
Remain
Alight.
