always use the buddy system

a poem about a guy trapped in the dark

a man cold and shivering

thumbs the wheel of his lighter

and there is but one solitary spark

to reveal the fear in his eyes.

his desperation permeates the blackness

and if we were ferrel animals

we would sense it

and eat him in his weakness.

there is a second spark

after what is eleven seconds

of metal flicking sounds

but we animals know it felt

more like an eternity to him.

a tiny blue flame dances

for three seconds before dying

and in those three long seconds

we see everything.

the ring on his finger.

the four day beard.

the torn reflective vest.

an open MRE bag at his feet.

when the light fades

and darkness and terror envelope,

we approach him,

and we are legion.