Unblinking

standby light, standby bright

the last light I see at night

a stark reminder, if you will

of the impermanence of life

human frailty and fragility

that you stand mocking over

for as long as you have power

you will stay alive, shining

as we give in to our basal needs

to rest, to renew and to heal

you seem to never give out

unless of course we unplug you

another synthetic mockery told

a simple plug gives you life

as we wither and fade and die

you and your kin—

shine on in the lonely dark

that red ominous dot of life

sits in the corner, day and night

staring at us—

watching us fade

gradually,

as youthful vigour

gives way

to stiffening limbs

weakened and feeble bones

you still glow a quiet hum—

<>

the last eternal lantern

unblinking, unflinching

as our hearts give way

to the quiet power

of ceasing to exist

as our minds give way

to the gentle embrace

of impermanence

you will glow

until we pass.

*

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