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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Macfarlane Avatar
May 3, 2012 at 9:14 PM
What a beautiful story teller you are Bob....this one moved me deeply. Hugs
A   Avatar
July 23, 2011 at 8:40 PM
ro, congrats on your poem being featured this week,have yourself a wonderful weekend,..p.d.bert
Brown Avatar
July 17, 2011 at 4:23 PM
Congratulations on your featured poem this week Bob. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
July 17, 2011 at 2:46 PM
Congrats Bob on your featured poem this week on PS.. a great piece to entertain us all my friend with luv.. and more...
Guzzi Avatar
April 19, 2011 at 1:44 PM
The heartbreak has been felt by so many for so long. I know quite a few Irish & English Ballads on the topic. A very good read as always Bob. [3rd line up from the bottom "a roaming never more" will give you your meter hon.] Light & Love
Neels Avatar
April 19, 2011 at 12:46 PM
This is a real beauty Bob, congratulations on your win in Linda's contest ;) hope your week's been good..
Mehta Avatar
April 19, 2011 at 11:43 AM
Congratulations on the eighth place win in the contest, Bob
Brown Avatar
April 19, 2011 at 7:08 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved win in Linda-Marie's contest "Razzle, Dazzle" Bob. Love, Carol
George   Avatar
April 19, 2011 at 4:30 AM
Ahhhh! This is my kind of poem, Robert. Dear to the heart and with a life's lesson at the end. Sensational. You dazzled me. Many congrats on your win. Lainie
Mannan Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 9:19 PM
Wow Bob, this is super amazing. Many congrats friend.
Sweetheart Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 8:41 PM
Congrats Bob on your success in my contest luv.. appreciate your constant support.. my winners list is finally posted to view after many days of contest problems.. all fixed ...
Brown Avatar
April 19, 2010 at 7:27 AM
Congratulations on your win in Brian's (Any Which Way) contest Robert. Love, Carol
White Avatar
April 5, 2010 at 3:40 PM
That is a good one and of course great imagery too- like watching a scene in a movie- Congrats
Villarosa Avatar
April 3, 2010 at 3:29 AM
A1 for this, Robert. You really put your heart on this, a captivating moments of reuniting to your place of origins. Congratulations. (^_^) Noel.
Dietrich Avatar
April 2, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Congratulations, robert,this was simply wonderful. I'd put it higher! Luv,Andrea
Richards Avatar
April 1, 2010 at 2:16 PM
Another wonderful story from your pen, Robert! Congratulations on this honorable mention!! Well deserved!! ~ Love, Carrie
Mehta Avatar
March 31, 2010 at 8:14 PM
well penned poem with deep emotions Congrats
Johnson Avatar
March 31, 2010 at 10:09 AM
What a lovely poem. It would gladden any lonely, mother's heart. Congratulations. Joyce
Gorelick Avatar
March 31, 2010 at 9:01 AM
Bob..hope you filled with pride..this is great. Congrats to my friend on his success in the contest. BG
Strand Avatar
March 31, 2010 at 7:43 AM
Congrats on your success in my contest Robert.Rgds Brian.My latest contest 'APRIL FOOTLE' is now open.
Strand Avatar
March 25, 2010 at 9:18 AM
Thank you for supporting my contest Robert.Rgds Brian
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