PART OF THE LAMPLIGHTER CHAPTERS

FRIEND

“Behold” began Old Man of Time,
“I’ll let you journey, but you are mine.”
Many come, but fewer stay,
“Come on” calls Youth “I want to play!”

“Tarry a while” begs Mother of Trees
“Set down your own roots and nurture your leaves.”
Sorrow the Siren just shakes her head,
“There are no words, try Fate.” she said.

And Fate just calls from behind the door,
“All for a reason, I’ve told you before.”
Madam Fortune laughs wise and old,
I thought we were friends but “All glitter’s not gold.”

Yet, I forge on getting older and older,
Is that Grim with his hand on my shoulder?
Why does one feel lost and alone?
I long for a place to feel at home.

Then through the thicket, I see a light.
Happy sweeps her step, lets me in for the night.
She has something to show me that I didn’t see,
She fetches her looking glass, points it at me.

And there just behind me, (I feel my breath catch),
A cloaked figure enters, and closes the latch.
The one who’s been tiptoeing a few steps behind,
Hood down as you turn, with a face that’s so kind.

Relief fills my heart, how I wish I had known,
It was you all these years, definition of home.
Thank you for the journey, for just being there.
My Friend, Life is nothing without you to care.

© 2025 Juliette Proffitt ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (First published 2015)

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