Light Poem by Denis Martindale

Beyond the first enlightenment of memories as a child,
A little sight appears, and you understand it for the first time.
You recognise someone nearby, as if in focus at last,
With those soft words spoken just for you.
It is the one who holds you gently and warmly
And who feeds you carefully and patiently.
The coming hours pass, the day ends, and darkness descends.
You rest in that darkness, thinking you cannot stop that rest.
You wake up as the light returns and enters your room.
Here you are, seeing the things around you once more.
The years vanish, and you must go to School.
You learn to read and write, and the homework leads to exams.
The seasons vanish, as must the tenderness of those years,
And the School itself becomes a distant memory.
And all too soon, you fall in love and seriously so,
Because of the light you see in your new love's smile.
For this is the light, the light that changes everything.


Denis Martindale, for the 2nd of November 2024.