With the flip of a switch
Light's lack sends us all  
into the familiar pool of darkness
to which I have become accustomed. 

My eyes adjust steadily
Peering through the long hallway
The ever vigilant guard
Seeking to protect people from themselves.

Blood tinged floors, fractured femurs, the last gasp
and shudder of a soul departing. So gently
holding their hand, reassuring and saying, "It's ok," 
even if it isn't, for those that remain. 

The person behind the helm of this sinking ship
Expected to be fearless, in control
Able to rise to any challenge
in inky blackness.

At times, the darkness creeps into your bones
Pervading sensitive skin
Leaving flesh chilled
The ceaseless worries of the inevitable.

At times, sitting amidst mountains of bureaucratic nonsense
I close my eyes.
Finally alone. 
Free at last to think of you.

To wonder, despite the distance
That as this protective wolf surveys the darkness
If you're warm, safe
Comfortable

Now, as I close my eyes
My fingertips slowly feel a strong pulse
Blood flowing through an artery
Wondering of the strength and pace of yours.

Delighting in thoughts of that steady rhythm
How it would quicken
Both of us stepping closer
The Sun and the Moon converging so easily. 

Now, as I close my eyes I can feel it. 
That soft, invisible tether that binds
Captivated at how easily it is felt
and so soon. 

Opening my constantly assessing eyes to the faint light,
I wonder how two can be so connected
But simply know, at the end
that I am grateful.