Other Lantern

When I speak of the lantern of dawn
that needs attention --
a beacon of welcome by the Abby door ..
I do not refer to THE LANTERN
that sits in the courtyard on a plinth of stone.

papa
..................................................

Lantern Lift

I could just let it lie there, you know --
awesome, pristine -- and sterile,
anchored to that cold stone of security,
and just wave at strangers stumbling by - Namaste'!

Or I could withdraw it firm in hand --
but that is another myth and challenge;
so say that I can grasp the handles
and wrench the lantern from its shackles.

I am not certain it is too heavy --
but cumbersome I would guess,
seeing as how it is folded upon itself
until it contains eternity.

I'm not afraid of what be revealed --
for part of the light then shining out
will be of me as joined with humanity,
and why would I ever doubt myself?

No, it is the commitment I enthrall --
that once picked up it is forever,
and though held high or low, and shifted hand to hand,
I will have chosen being instead of waiting.