The only light we have

is the fireplace

with its faux wood logs

and pretend fire

it's fake

but its embers are real enough

when there is no other heat

we have blankets

we have flashlights

but you cannot get warm off a flashlight

so we layer our clothes and

wrap ourselves like mummies

in blankets and quilts

Someday the lights will come back on

and the coffee pot will work

the oven will bake

and the micro-wave will zap our leftovers

the sun will come out again

like it's supposed to

we can't wish our way out of this

but since there is

no TV or computer

or phone or radio or lights

wishing is the best we can do

and all we can do for now

to keep ourselves

from crying.