by Mark Weinrich

At dusk, dozens of Great White Egrets
gather to the island. As light seeps away
the lake is smoked glass and the white colony
glow like torches and lanterns stretching 
out into the night, a search and rescue party 
heading into the dark to reclaim the lost.

As their shimmering fireworks disappear 
the splendor of Christ’s light reminds me
when brothers and sisters gather
we are more than individual candles
shining with inspiration on Christmas Eve.
Every time whether by two or three
with fires rekindled, we can head out
to find those desperate souls 
trapped within this deepening night.

Mark Weinrich lives a creative life as a writer, photographer, musician, and artist—all wrapped together in an outdoorsman. He is a retired pastor and nine-year cancer survivor. His writing and photography have appeared in over 130 news stand, inspirational, and literary publications. He has sold eight children’s books and currently has two fantasy novels on Kindle.