The Path of Totality

For Dad

Two hawks, silent, circle above the pines,

Well beyond the dull grasp of gravity.

Blue jays, maddened by sudden dark, cry out

To heedless wolves circling the sun and moon,

Devouring daylight and midnight whole.

Earth’s heartbeat stops; stillness ripples outward

In a gasp, and the trees bow to darkness

That stills love’s every syllable of hope.

I marvel at the moon’s audacity

To overshadow heaven’s mighty fire:

In an instant, the dark makes us shiver

With the grief of lost light and promised life.

When the sun burned out, dad, where did you go?

I listen for the wolves, would know what they know.