Within the Circle

Surrounded by a small
circle of stones;
a candle
bathes her naked body
in a soft golden glow.
Outside
the darkness is complete.
No moon.
Midnight.
A time from superstition
when ghosts
demons
vampires
wander the earth.
She fears not the darkness
even finds comfort
in it's ebony embrace.
Darkness, she knows,
hides all manner of flaws.
She watches the candle flame
flicker and dance
as she prays,
wishing
for love
to warm her heart
to wash away the pain.