Smoke and embers

Leonard Cohen.

How could you leave us now, this wretched week of
agonizing defeat

hate and ignorance rise in the south
confusion and disbelief

Leonard Cohen
How could you leave us behind in this world?

I cried out in denial when I heard the news
the smoke and embers  overthrew me

Did you know I loved you?
Touching the edge of  sin renewed me

Not this week.
It cannot be true,

to lose this soulful starlight?

'we don't want it darker.'..I call out in vain
another paradox,

you killed the flame--
or did you leave a crack in the universe, for the light to seep in

Hallelujah.

eery quiet blankets my world
remembrance:

           fallen soldiers,
                                   fallen poets,
                                                        fallen civilians....


I don't want it darker,
let's light another flame.


Hallelujah.


   
   11/11/2016
c. norma hoeppner