for Josie, Phil, Jordan, and Rowan

All the people turn to face the band—
talkers fall silent, glasses pause in air,
even despondent spirits lift,
even the serving staff are grooving.

The band is so into the music
they don’t notice the audience
drawing closer to the unseen fire.

Some nights the flame reveals itself,
rising bright and clear,
lighting a way for the lost and troubled.

After the show, the audience leaves happy—
they carry a spark of that fire home
to keep the night alive inside them.