The Flicker of Light (Defined)

Eight nights.
Flicker:
By definition, “natural agents that stimulate sight and make things visible.”  

$2 twinkle strands around an old washstand.

Bright,
Reddened gold.

Hanukkah menorah melting with last year’s party gift.

Gleaming,
Watercolor orange.

Warmth of a burn pile built on a summer storm’s kindle.

Dazzled glow—
Spitting white.

Winter sun’s mirror on a scrubbed kitchen floor.

Radiant blaze, 
Fractured.

Dog’s eye at sunrise distilled in frozen breath.

Eight nights.
Flicker:
By definition, “expressions in someone’s eyes indicating a particular emotion or mood, opinions, standards and abilities or understandings of a problem.”

Turmeric wrapped around winter squash.

Talent,
Skill.

Glints of silver-capped tomato-tinted glass.

Ability: 
Expert.

Cell phone vibration echo across seas.
Nights begun,
But already finished.

Point of view. 
Context.

An almost laugh,
Birthday candle smirks—
To blow the candles out.

Illumination.
Knowledge.

A child’s weightless voice forms the letters of my name.

Understanding; 
Enlightenment.

The spark described.
The flame unnamed
But defined
By

Eight nights.
Families split apart.
Pause. Inhale. Count.

Each flicker of light
Trails. Tracks. 
Across faces. Across nights.
Our close breath,
Whispers.
Candles.
Dark.

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Need more Hanukkah cheer? Enjoy these holiday posts from this year and previous to bring in the final night of the holiday celebration.

• Octet – Hanukkah Fiction
• The Jewfish – A Holiday Tale
• Rugelach – Hanukkah Memories Poetry
• Eating Latkes in Gladness – Hanukkah Poetry