Glow

The night is bleak and full of sounds-

I feel the blackness, I feel the pain

and in the dark and deepening void

hear words cry out in vain-

children’s tears, ravaging hunger,

bitterness, anguish, and defeat,

heart’s disappointment, love’s sorrow,

lies, injustice, crippling deceit.

Strange then to see an incandescent glow,

Feel despair displaced by compassion,

Bitterness swallowed by gentle sorrow,

Empathy consume anger and indignation.

O grasp that glow and hold it tight.

Only love can restrain the night.