Friday, October 15, 2021

Penumbral … Flutter

Today’s word is “penumbral” … relating to or being shadowy, indefinite, or marginal area. (Dictionary.com)

Flutter
We are, it seems, walking with
     outstretched hands.
Reaching for something solid.
     Putting a toe forward, carefully.
Surely, somewhere in this
     Shadow within a shadow
           there is a ledge, an edge of light.
Squinting, we move forward slowly,
     Aware only of our breathing.
Occasionally there is a flicker,
     a movement. Of what we are not sure.
Yesterday this place was familiar;
     we were confident of our steps.
 But now this penumbral darkness
     has settled in, like a thick fog 
         on an autumn morning.
Perhaps if we stop and listen,
     we will hear a familiar voice;
          a sign that we are nearing home.

Anne Selleck
Copyright 2021



No comments: