In the Flickering Light

In the flickering light
of kerosene lanterns
we learned to read
and write a little bit.

Shoe tying came easy
in the flickering light,
as my older sisters
instructed me carefully.

We sat side by side
and read the Bible
in the flickering light,
learning God's greatness.

I learned about life
and gains and losses,
grew to be who I am
in the flickering light.