FLUORESCENT LIGHT

fluorescent light
that is the color of my life.
it glares at you
and you shut your eyes
it gives you headaches
and you moan in pain.
it's not like the color of sunshine
outside,
it has no warmth
nor smell.
and when you go back inside
(for nothing can stay sunny sunshine bright)
it is blinding,
the contrast so astounding.
yet every day it's there,
trying to guide
trying to shine
trying to keep its head above the water -
above the darkness.
fluorescent light
that is the color of my life.
it shines ever so dimly,
pathetically,
but then you would never want to hollow out your eyes,
and drown in the darkness.

by Mai G., Short Hills, NJ