Longest Night

a longest night
can only be claimed
by accumulated details

once identified
we can anticipate
and ritualize its presence

for those caught
in one stress or another
every night is the longest

every shortening
adds to false hope
lengthens the dark

night escapes time
and stretches
to eternal now and ever

to name a longest night
is a control mechanism
on unfettered fear

would it were but a night
night after night
erodes life

night banning fire
builds creosote
until we burn down