Earthlights

From the cross hatched cage of shadows
laid about by wire and cable
we saunter monthly into the preserve of moon,
pale goddess eye,
competing with the sodium glare
and see, though we deny it,
the aura display wherein we live
and show our secrets helplessly.

We are illuminated by a sceptic's need,
withered by noon on southern sands
or by the incredible, indelible blue of the snow
like a welders sparks that covers the earth.

Urban caverns stand high and distant
with the only rusted gold that could be
painted behind slim protection
and staring down to see us in our rush
to find our own.

Holy tapers gutter in the chapels
and spirits flicker in gutters like heretical candles.
Down on the switching yard
the custom is a swinging, coloured lantern
and the hobo lights of wind guarded zippos
jumping to life.