October’s Words

Mason Jar, Kevin Young

Most miracles
             be small—
lightning bugs

flicking off
             & on
in the dusk before

the storm, hoping
              to be caught
by fire

& each other.
              Instead, children
capture them winking

in jars once
              filled with pennies
or peaches put away

for winter, this waning light
              they drown in
without the air

they are
              meant for.
In this heat

little keeps—
               see how your hat
wilts, held

over your heart to honor
               today the dead
who cannot say, yet still

share your name.

(Photograph: Henry Horenstein, Newport, Rhode Island, September 22, 1979 via the Library Of Congress)

2 thoughts on “October’s Words

  • Reply Samantha October 8, 2021 at 12:01 pm

    This photo is … very moving. Thank you for the words, too. Please keep up these monthly Word posts – I really love them.

    • Reply latonya October 26, 2021 at 9:50 am

      Oh Samantha, I really appreciate the encouragement. This “reset” series every month is my favorite and I only hope it feels the same for others.
      x

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