Porch Light

Winter light fading, husband and dog gone
for a walk, they’ll be back in an hour.
If the sky goes dark, I turn the porch light on.

Exhausted after working all day long,
he’s devoted to home, hearth, his other.
Winter light fading, husband and dog gone

up the hill, where our terrier girl loves to run.
Her ecstasy filled me when I was able to take her.
If the sky goes dark, I turn the porch light on.

Simple daily things, those are our song
of love despite the trials of growing older.
Winter light fading, husband and dog gone

off together, leaving me here alone,
wishing I too could have skipped out the door.
If the sky goes dark, I turn the porch light on.

They fill in what I lack, trek along
the streets, stop for snacks at the corner store.
Winter light fading, husband and dog gone.
When my heart goes dark, I turn the porch light on.

by Jane Underwood

from When my Heart Goes Dark, I Turn the Porch Light On (Blue Light Press 2017)