David R. Chaffee

Candled people lined along the wall in animated merriment;
Their flashing faces all aglow.
Silhouetted shadows dancing in exaggerated mime,
Waxing to a fettered tune, consumed by an elusive time.

Burdened by the brilliant glare;
Shadowed by the passing light.
Never knowing that the merriment
Is as fleeting as the night.