The Glowing Lantern - Canto Ii

The stranger now asked if he could sit down— The other man’s head then began to shake. The traveler then felt fully awake, As he looked at the stranger with a frown. Once the stranger sat down at the table, He placed the glowing lantern between them. The stranger then dried his hands, which were numb, As the rain kept dripping from the gable. The two men sat in silence for a while. Neither of the men were willing to speak. The traveler wiped a tear from his cheek, And kept quiet with no trace of a smile. The stranger looked over at him and said, "I have walked a long journey, just the same As you have. Although, you don't know my name, I am here to speak of your days ahead." "Who are you?" asked the traveler weary, As a strange sense of shock overtook him. The stranger removed his hat by the brim, And stared off into the night so dreary. "A man who has once walked your walk before," Replied the stranger, as his face grew long. "Learn to forgive those who have done you wrong," He said, as his eyes pointed towards the floor. "Sometimes, in this world, some help is needed," Said the traveler, raising up his hands. "For many years, I have roamed through these lands, And never have my actions been heeded!" © 2021