EVEN IN THE WORST OF LIGHT

Leaving the narrow streets of Parguera, 
we're anxious to see the mercury shine 
of micro-organisms in the stirred waters.
Still I'm stunned by the glow 
as two girls dive into the shadow, 
turn splash to spark in the blackness.

We knew to visit the phosphorescent bay 
on a moonless night and though tonight's light 
is the worst for viewing, 
this is our only evening
on the Caribbean side.

When our guide fills a bucket with bay water
and tells us to form a circle 
to block the moon's glow

I'm aware that we'll board the plane
in the morning, our son will leave 
for school, our daughter will plunge 
back to her life and friends.

As we lean over the gallon together, 
I watch our fingers ripple stars 
that glint as we stand close as ever
scooping the silver light of our last night.