by Ali Znaidi

Capitals and cities vied for releasing
the most extravagant New Year’s lights.

On the periphery, near a tent
pierced by the wind
innocent children were celebrating
sharing the lights of an ember
on the verge of extinction.

Now, the extravagant lights dimmed.
But the children’s tears are still
releasing the most glittering lights.

— Lights on the verge of becoming a blaze.

Lights which will never be swallowed by
the piles of ash.