Each week we will publish a short poem, written by some of our Manx Bards and other local poets.

These poems are short, fun or thoughtful little pieces, written to last around 20 seconds and can be recited during the time it takes to wash your hands.

This week’s poem has been submitted by Manx Independent reader Kathy Quaye.

Kathy was the first of our readers to submit her own 20 second poem and we will publish more of readers’ poems over the next few weeks, along with a selection of poems written by the Manx Bards.

We will print one poem a week in the pages of Island Life. Why not try writing your own 20-second poem? Send your own poems to [email protected]

Heavenly Light

Crystal lanterns that splinter and spew

Outpouring their light all shiny and new

Helplessly dying their colourful hue

Embers of light cut through and through

Alone they lie on their sorrowful mound

Precious as teardrops on such holy ground

Slivers of light dance on ever bright

Winging peace and protection on their illuminous flight

Over magical rainbows and all special things

To soar to where the lightness begins

Written by Kathy Quaye