flame

you are going--I go on
I can see that you are lost
the sun flashes on my eyes
I will take my hopes for you, much brighter
and I will light a candle on them
to put in the attic, with the others
where I am building a galaxy
like the farther stars-- once lit, they burn on their own

when the wind comes, I will go
you will come to an empty house
when you have exhausted the cabinets
and under the chairs, looking
rest awhile by the window,
then follow my instructions:
and climb the stairs
find yourself among the others
these walls did not shelter me alone

if you do not pass by here again
some other wayfarer
will finger my relics
the flames, still burning
will catch them
and draw forth,
the night sky from within them
above thier house