The Glowing Lantern - Canto Iii

The eyes of the two men then raised and met, As they looked at each other in the night. The glowing of the lantern remained bright, And their damp clothing no longer felt wet. "Your efforts will soon begin to pay off," Said the stranger, as he began to rise. He looked deep into the traveler’s eyes, And suddenly cleared his throat with a cough. "When I arrived here, you asked who I was," Spoke the stranger to the man still seated. The lantern still kept the two men heated, And the stranger stopped speaking with a pause. "I did," said the seated man with a grin, As he extended his hand to his friend. With their discussion coming to an end, The stranger stood rubbing his bearded chin. He reached over and gave his hand a shake, Still not knowing what his reply might be. He said, "I hope my advice you will take." "For some twenty years from this given date, It shall be my image you will carry. Make your days more increasingly merry, And free your heart from the burden of hate." The old man took the lantern, and turning, Waved goodbye to the young man on the porch. The glowing lantern that served as their torch, Left with the old man, no longer burning. © 2021