This is one of four poems by Charles Wright that appear in Issue 24 of The Mockingbird. To read the rest, purchase the Mystery Issue in our store.
Last Word to the Setting Sun
The shade, Lord, please put me in the shade.
The light of your scope keeps blinding me.
I know I expected that
but back off, man, back off.
I’m not prepared yet for the final Come-Together.
A flash at a time, I think that’s better, a flash at a time.
Light and fire, O Ever Expanding One, light and fire.
I got it but can not endure it.
At least not in this transfiguration.
So slip me into shadow.
Just ease me under the hemlock boughs.
I know I’ll be out tomorrow,
released and ready to roll.
