Diminishing Light

millions of light particles settle

on the underside of your bicep

the soft spot my palm touches

where a small poke tattoo glistens

a sun will always rise you said

as you smile and roll close to me

pressed heat not like a summer day

but a crack in the dark earth

when molten rises to the surface

finds a way out blasting into the sky

a violent dance within its plume

ash particles collide and fragment

billions of sparks flicker and twirl

a black cloud overwhelms the sun

two hikers walk the northern crest

watching in silence unable to speak

I search for your hand as we find shelter

you tell me the sun will always shine

but fires from the west rage with intensity

a deafening blast rolls through the hills

void of color just black with white ash

I turn away from the diminishing light

plunge my face into the sweat-filled pillow

the unbearable sound grows louder

gasping for breath I shut off the alarm

watch in silence as you brush your hair

the intricate choreography of movement

feel my lungs expand to their full extent

the dark underside of your roots

disrupted by light streaks of ash blond