This Feeds on the Light

The love of this world is far more laborious

Augustine

THIS is where we are sitting and having

Our evening meal. THIS is the table.

THIS is the candle. Watch how the waxflame

Wavers when I say THIS, how each thing

Glows and grows shorter and THIS

Feeds on the light. You in particular

Are radiant this evening, I can hardly bear to say

THIS is how lovely and watch.

I can bear the winecork. I will watch the ladle.

All the world can go up in a puff when I say

THIS is the moment, for all I care.

And THIS is where we will sit and have

Our meal of ashes. THIS might be anywhere.

THIS is THIS, and it is

Its own candle. Watch how the flame bends

Over the wickend, and licks its pale plate

For the last of the light.