SPARK

Beneath the Balcony
Nick Winkworth
Inspiration Piece

Lingering Light
Cynthia Grady
Response

I remember the sun-baked warmth of an afternoon,
where no birdsong could be heard,
not a winged-creature buzzed,
I stood becalmed, relaxed, redeemed
Inside a honeyed silence.

Sunlight, like snowfall and love, transforms everything it touches.
I want the steadiness of the sun,
to look long enough to recognize everyone I meet.
I want the radiance of the sun,
to shine brightly enough to love everyone I know.

I want the sun’s flaming reach, the sun’s restorative ways.
I want to wrap a shawl of lacy shadows
around the shoulders of any stony façade.
I want the love that lingering light leaves with us.
Poets, have your moons– I want the sun.