A Phosphorescence James Cervantes I discovered phosphorescence one day clearing pine needles from an acre plot in the mountains. I raked and scratched large piles, then became obsessed with the base of one tree, raking harder and deeper until black, matted clumps of needles came up to reveal a glow. Fire, I thought, afraid for the forest. But no smoke, no burn smells. There could be light without fire, like that moment of warmth I mistook for fire, a gentle touch on your arm that was light and would be no more than that. Copyright © 2024 by James Cervantes. Originally [...]