An Affirming Flame

Defenceless under the night
Our world in stupor lies;
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame.
--W. H. Auden

from Poin'Dexter (top)
moon over Monument Canyon (middle)
Cape Solitude (below)
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steller's jay
cave swallow