the taper caper

lost its luster,

at guttering

–of candle cluster

lacking light, the vagabonds

–could not with

the ‘bra

abscond. . .

ensuing darkness

lit-i-gating,

criminals

addressed abating,

of needed light to clinch the crime

–resulting in a hefty fine

since thieves are never

compensated,

for crime or time

and all related

–debts incurred while planning heist

especially

the theft of lights.

prompt: taper