The Lantern's Vigil

The lantern burns though all the roads are long,

its fragile glow defies the wind’s command;

it hums a quiet note, a steady song.

The night forgets where memories belong,

but still I walk with trembling, open hand

the lantern burns though all the roads are long.

Its circle gathers dust, yet nothing’s wrong;

the flame repeats what hearts still understand

it hums a quiet note, a steady song.

I’ve left behind what never did belong,

the names that fade like letters in the sand;

the lantern burns though all the roads are long.

It teaches me that endings make us strong,

that even fear can be a kind of stand;

it hums a quiet note, a steady song.

And when at last the dark forgets its throng,

I’ll rest beside the light, no more unmanned

the lantern burns though all the roads are long;

it hums a quiet note, a steady song.