A rocket streaked into the dark sky,
though not by accident. The timing was perfect,
like a switch thrown for a new year,
rising higher and higher above shadow
from one street over.
Delivering up a lattice of bright,
a rainbow of hope and all festivals of light:
Christmas trees, Kwanzaa joy, Hanukah lights,
pious prayers to Allah, indigenous pow wows,
confessions of Love, Times Square cheer
and all beautiful tidings
born out of humanity and necessity.
Tomorrow I will knock on the neighbor’s door
to thank them.
Certainly there is peace, happiness, prosperity,
that we don’t wait till the end to share.
Time and again, isn’t this the sunshine, the warmth
of spring and summer, the wholeness that makes
us divine and strong?
Dear friend, respectfully, this must be understood
and agreed between us.
Alas, no one else can ward off darkness.
Stephen Cipot
Garden City Park