For my Father

If ever you belonged
back in the world
it is tonight

children laughing at
lightening bugs
squealing with delight
at the prospect of
ownership

glass jars hold the
blinking insects
swarming against the
wall for freedom

thousands of stars
light the yard
surrounding the crescent
moon
shooting reminders
of your fleeting life

the jar sits on the
cement steps
tiny hands cup
the prison

you would have set
them free
to entertain another day

in the middle of
darkness
I will open the
jar

and they will fly
toward you
to light the
ever after