A Creation Story

A poem exploring the symbolism of Light and Darkness.

 

Once, long ago,

In a land not too far;

All of life was immersed in the dark.

 

Unable to see, so unable to judge.

Unaware if a landscape was barren or lush.

Unable to criticise, unable to slate,

Unable to love, and unable to hate.

With all flaws disguised,

And so forced to listen,

life was forced into safe co-existence.

Undivided by caste, rank, status or race;

life thrived within darkness’ loving embrace.

 

But meanwhile, a new entity was to transpire.

An unknown being with unknown desires.

It crept forth, penetrating this world without sight.

It battled the darkness, it was known as the Light.

 

Targeting individuals, the Light approached life.

It spoke of the things of which with it was rife.

Light said it was mighty, Light said it was wise,

Light told life of itself, Light told life of its eyes.

Light told life of beauty, said this was that life should seek.

Said Darkness was folly, said Darkness was weak.

life advanced into Light, its interest piqued.

 

Immediately, Life noticed a change.

Light’s embrace was different.

It was new, it was strange.

It was strong and pervasive,

It was gentle, yet fierce.

Patient, but persistent,

It was distant, but near.

Life let out a shriek, Life let out a wail.

Light’s embrace all encompassing;

Life’s eyes unveiled.

Life shrieked not from fury,

Shrieked not from ill health,

But because Life had looked down

And seen… itself.

Life now knew, and knew all else would know,

Life’s strengths, and Life’s weaknesses;

Life’s flaws were exposed.

 

And when Life looked on at this new world of Light,

It saw others. They too

Had been cursed with sight.

 

All those in Light panicked.

For they knew all could see

Any spot, any blemish,

No matter how tiny.

Every fault, every frailty,

Each defect, each vice.

 

All were ripe for exploiting,

And so, life paid the price.

Under cover of darkness,

Co-existence seemed fine.

But now, fear was arising,

And the concept of ‘mine’.

 

And Light’s realm was expanding:

More of life was beguiled,

Other creatures won over;

More of Darkness defiled.

 

Divided into Factions

Were the Life of Light’s rule.

Not through trust, but survival.

Not for friends, but for tools.

 

Light did not want conflict

In lands already owned.

Light united his forces

Against one common foe.

 

For who knew what lay

Under Darkness’ shroud?

These creatures, unseen,

And who spoke not aloud?

Perhaps they could see out;

Could, at Light’s kingdom gaze.

Glean Light’s people’s weaknesses,

Whilst leaving no way

For them to retaliate;

They, shielded, remained.

Completely unknown.

Unexposed. Unafraid.

 

And so, those who could see

Attacked those that were blind.

Light’s soldiers advanced,

Rule of Darkness declined.

 

The blind could not see,

So could not comprehend

The concept of battle,

That of Foes and of Friends.

So Light marched on unheeded,

life converted or cleansed.

Whilst the darkness receded,

Unable to defend

Against that in which

They could not see the sense.

Light’s reach extended

As Light’s grasp clenched.

 

Either beaten by Light’s force

Or bewitched by Light’s tongue;

life was translated,

One by One.

Light took dominion.

darkness was gone.

 

 

This is now how Life lives.

Led by sight, and Light’s reign.

Life is People, all different,

With no two the same.

People bunched into Groups,

Some Alliances between.

People unite with People

Against other unseen

Enemies, for who knew what lay

Around every corner;

A new threat each day.

People don’t group for allies,

But to keep those at bay

Who might be a Danger,

Who might be a Foe.

Under Light, trust no Stranger,

For one’s flaws are exposed.

 

 

But all is not lost.

 

 

There are shadowy corners,

There are pockets of dusk,

Beneath each tree is shade,

Within life there’s still trust.

 

And in each of these niches,

In each cranny and nook,

darkness is waiting

For any who look

For a place of escape.

darkness holds no grudge.

In pitch black, all are equal.

Without Light, none are judged.

 

 

Author's Note

The erratic capitalisation is intentional

Reviews

[White Rabbit]

I enjoyed reading this. The way that Life lives in a content state of ignorance until manipulated by Light. Well done.