LIGHTS ON THE WATER
A sweet tradition that comes from Japan,
Left an impression that brought tears
To my staring eyes, I’ll tell if I can
Of what I saw, that wiped away fears.
T’was evening, and a cloudy night,
Mourners came to the water side,
Each carrying a lantern candle bright,
Placed them in, and watched them glide.
Each lantern silently bobbed and danced
Across the water, cold, dark and deep.
Each person looked and quietly glanced
At the pattern as the lights did creep.
Noone spoke, each one slowly walked away,
Leaving me watching the lights grow small,
Yet shining still along the curve of the bay,
I did not want to go from that place at all.
I thought, have I shone in the dark of night
Through my life on earth, lifted others
As those lights lifted me that special night?
Or hid my light under some dark covers?
Will my life, after death light the way?
Be an influence for good that will not dim?
Bring hope in darkness? Until another day
Brings new rays of hope, so new life begin
Thank you bobbing lights that I saw
Placed with love by sorrowful hearts,
For I’ll remember the lanterns along the shore,
And try and stay bright, even after life departs.
M Ann Margetson © July 24, 2000.
2000/lightsw
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