A Lantern
In the night
A pale blue light was seen in the night.
Through my window, pale and glowing
Maybe an illusion or misleading delusion
She was telling me something that I’m not knowing.
More likely, it’s the will-o’-the-wisp.
Trying to pull the wool over my eyes
Leading me down the garden path
It was then dispersing into the skies.
Seen and found on the ground
Drifting like a soft candlelight
Hovering in blue phosphorescence
I am opening the black curtains of the night.
The mysterious lights lead travellers.
Away from trodden tracks
Into the jaws of treacherous marshes
To sink ‘tween reed grasses and cracks.
A lantern held by a dusky little figure
A dangerous and malevolent gnome
Leading the unwary traveller
When wandering far from home.
Is the will-o’-the-wisp a dead spirit
Who cannot enter heaven or hell?
They are malignantly wandering the earth.
Where to no one can tell.
Some call him Jack-a-lantern.
And in Norfolk will-o’-the-wikes
But best known as the will-o’-the-wisp.
Or some blacksmith o’ his likes.
Whomever he is or wherever he’s been
He visits my garden on stormy nights.
The hairs rise on the nape of the neck.
When will you give me a dose of the frights?
©
David Rudder
2023
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