Tenebrae

Tenebrae

Two or three thousand
gathered in one name
surrounding fifteen guttering candles
trying desperately to repel
the impending darkness

* * *

Slowly the lights are extinguished
two by two
and the world's darkness creeps in
Then--just one candle--
wavering in the draft.

* * *

That last candle gathers strength
only to be removed
Reverently carried out of their midst.
In the cold darkness,
gratitude that this story
does not end here.

* * *

Info on Tenebrae http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenebrae

I have some new ideas for this blog. I'd like to post them and have some reactions, considering one at least depends heavily on reader involvement.

1. Revive a structured poetry "assignment." This one would require a reader to contribute a new theme or challenge every week. Poems would be written during the week and a "final" (read: not rough) draft would appear every Saturday before midnight.

2. Put the kabash on the name of the blog and turn it into a writing experiment rather than a poetry experiment. Write 500 words of the young adult novel. Posting rules same as above.

3. Attempt another round of the poetry experiment, except with poems less frequently than every day.

Strong thoughts? Let me know.

I'd appreciate feedback on the new poem if anyone has any.