The Language of Light

I’m learning the language of light.

Like all languages, it takes practice,

it takes immersion,

and there’s a great sense of victory

when I dream in it

I’m learning the language of light,

just a few words at a time —

the names, for example, 

that people have for themselves,

a name, perhaps, that they

forbid themselves to use

but wait in deep longing

for someone else to speak it to them

The verbs, also,

like soar and lilt

and rise, and meet,

and own your truest name

I’m learning the language of light

from countless tutors, large and small,

the flash of a moment, the steady care of years.

Though my words are halting

I say them anyway,

for that’s the only way to really learn.

©Wendy Mulhern

March 13, 2017