Extinguishing

It was brave. It tried to survive. It sang and shouted as though to keep the silence from invading. It frantically searched for a way to stay alive.

But then one February morning, it was chained to a corner and ordered to not utter a sound.

It screamed in agony and in hopes of release. It shrieked to be let out as the darkness began to creep its way over the halls and domes that were once alight with a joy and color so pure, it didn't have a name besides resplendent. It didn't realize just how bright it had been until it couldn't see anything but black ink filling the spaces between each rib.