Fireflies

Happy the tree
illumined by candles, warm stars.
The lights
go on and off
in concert—
seeking attention, inviting
interest. From here and there,
a green brightness flashing back—
she knows, she's watching.
Gradually,
lights disappear
from the tree—the brilliant
collective lost
in the humble ceremony.
Now the makers of light
revel in its absence—
instinct equally at home
with either.
The cosmic tree
silhouettes itself against
many darknesses,
waits for the dawn
as it waited for night.