Hang the lantern from the ceiling
Fill the void and shadowed gloom
Raise the fire and stoke the embers
Bring such light to this old room
Lift the cloth from oiled leather
Dust the shelves of ancient tome
Throw wide the woolen drapery
Make this empty heart a home
Clean the sheets and festive linen
Kill the fatted goose and game
String the lyre and play it boldly
Pipe the dream of wealth and fame
Bathe and scent lush fragrant beauty
Wear the gown of ivory lace
Down the stair a waltz inviting
To this empty heart embrace
Ah, fair art thou …
Sweet surrender
Golden light the hollow space
Ah, so blindly …
Wouldst thou lead me
Far away this wretched place
Ah, I beg thee …
To thy mercy
Do I dare to best assume
Ah, sweet rapture …
Hang the lantern
Bring such light to this old room
Round the fire peels of laughter
Polished brass and faces bright
Lift the glass of sparkling nectar
Toast the peace this blessed night
All as one this night was treasure
Sands of time were stilled this day
Left the gift of joy remembrance
In this empty heart you’ll stay
.
.
“Hang the Lantern” © John Anthony. All Rights Reserved.
The Delicate Edge 