Lost in a Cave with Candles

by Alexander Theessen
(Victoria, BC, Canada)

Floating in an empty cave

With candles above our heads

From the light we swim away

Protecting our flame

For fear of having to spark another

In the dark, I take a lover.

My loneliness is my only friend

When there’s nothing left, I go to him

And he shrouds me within

Memories of ancient agape.

Tormenting me like a spinning top

That I wind up to uncover

The comfort within a fantasy

Of a warmer existence

Our memories begin to freeze

Staring through ice at the ones we like.

Willingly, I never break free

I swim away from the light

And her ghost is my only companion

She haunts me in the night.