preparation for later days

By Jack C. Buck

the shadows look like they are getting heavier
I walk into them expecting to feel their weight
but I find it’s just a different form of light 
I put out a hand in front 

out back all the loved ones of my life stand around a fire
I do whatever it takes to keep it going 
building a repository to fill all that I can 

for those later on moments on the last nights
while we warm our hands 
turning them slowly over and over 
examining what the light does against the dark
with us standing between 
I look at you and you look at me

Jack C. Buck lives in Boise, Idaho. He is the author of the books Deer Michigan and Gathering View, along with the chapbook will you let it send you out