The Candle In the Window

The young lad left his Mother's hearth when he was seventeen. There was adventure beyond the far horizon, so much to be seen. Her only son to distant realms and o'er the seas did roam; Now he wearily trudged along the moonlit country road to home. From afar he saw a candle in the window casting its mellow glow. It beckoned him to the humble cottage he had left so long ago. 'Twas Home! Home!, the most beautiful mansion in the world! He paused and mused as about him precious memories swirled. He dropped his duffel and leaned upon the sagging fence, To capture the moment and his random thoughts condense. There, framed in the window was Mother with hair of snowy white, Reading her dog-eared Bible by the flickering candlelight. He recalled her parting words, "God go with you son; I'll light a candle to guide you home when your bourne is done." As he gazed upon her so serene, o'er him many emotions swept; Recalling her tender love, his shoulders shook as he quietly wept. He swept his frail Mother in his arms as he reached the door, Saying, "Your wayward son is home, Mom, a-roaming never more!" All roads lead somewhere, but the happiest road of all, Is that which leads to home, be it mansion great or cottage small. Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved) Placed No. 8 in Linda-Marie's "Razzle Dazzle" Contest - April 2011