Flicker

I gripped the plastic, cold and slick,

the beam a sick, pale yellow stain.

It pulsed, it throbbed, it played a trick,

then shrank and grew, again, again.

Trying to find the earring lost,

within the closet's deeper shade.

But all its power, at what cost?

This tired light, already frayed.

It died in spurts, a final gasp,

leaving me tangled in the deep.

No true illumination's clasp,

just broken promises to keep.