finding enlightenment

finding enlightenment is like lighting
a match in the dark
you start with a spark
which soon bursts
into a radiating flame
and illuminates the plane
until nothing remains
of the former darkness
...but almost as quickly
as it started
their ways are parted
and darkness
returns
and the fire that burned
so brightly
retreats as if frightened
by its sudden release
of energy
and within me
is left
a shortness of breath
and the hope
that soon
another match will illume
and leave behind
the fresh fumes
of its lingering smoke
-carlton mackey