Signal Fires

12/30/23

I'm calling to you from across the landscape of death … you

whose heart is wrung out of hope ... you

fried and exhausted from needing to be seen… you

mangled like cars after crashes, yellow like jaundice, angry as graceless unconscious uncoupling,

harsh as lawsuits and bitter as betrayals and broken backs,

hard as heartbreak and deadly as drunk driving exes,

rude as resentment

you

who let yourself feel one more time

who said what you wanted and it seemed no one cared or understood. you. who when they said “what do you need?” you answered and dared not wish for a response

then you dared...

and were dashed

you who cannot believe you are still breathing

here is your torch. take it.

there - the year’s end approaches like a fast-setting sun. we all were scorched. we all were cruel in someone's telling

our hands are all covered in soot and dirt

go to the hillsides

quick

see the glint in the eye

of the one who hurt you running, breathless alongside you, beloved

as your own feet carry your burning heart

(were you loved?)

light your torches together

make haste to the signal fires

look around!! on the winter’s horizon

they are sparking to a roar

light them all

(did you dream?)

down with the misery and all the judgment

none of us were prepared

we leave it all right here

look into the gaze of the ones who broke you

(we are all still here)

all that matters is this

who can face the breaking dawn together?

who can see themselves whole reflected in the light of another's narrowing irises as the flames brighten in the expectant night

and take a long deep breath together, surprised by our one soul?

Image Designer: Frances

Image Description: [an illuminated figure of pinks yellows and purples stands in the foreground raising their arms before a large fire sparking with flying embers. The sky beyond is dark blue night. The shadows of other figures dance on the other side of the fire with their arms lifted.]

Frances Cutshaw

12/29/23