The first night in the country
I woke in the dark dark —
put my hand in front of my face
and couldn’t tell my hand
was there.

Got a night light the next day.
Just one Christmas tree bulb
but so bright in the bathroom
I had to close the door to sleep.

This year we’re back
and it’s burned out.
I turn off the bedroom lamp
afraid to admit I’m afraid
of the dark we paid so much for.

But light pours through the blinds.
It’s from a half moon,
unbreakable mirror,
sending sunlight
to this half of the earth
for free.

— Warren Woessner