Gwen Monohan’s most recent poem to appear here was “Acid Rain” (October 2016)

Circuit Breakers 
By Gwen Monohan

The power in their home was gone
because a front moved through.
A rocking, shocking summer storm.
Familiar houses in the distance
seemed darker than the night,
though shaded outlines
roped potential circuits
for the naked eye
with moonlight.

So they searched for hidden candles
and found new batteries.
Cautioned the kids to show restraint.
Then they all waited in circled,
hard-backed chairs for some sign
that they no longer should
ration sweet reserves,
conserve love’s energy.
Or burn their marriage down.