Against the Dark

Oh, little lantern light

What hope you give to thee

For wild storms rage within

I want to be brave and free.

Lessons taught by Fear

Her threats do tear a part

The quiet sense of safety

Despite of life’s fragile start.

The sound of my own mother

Her laughter rising above

The snake’s hiss of exposure

Predators with false love.

She trusted them with me

Or so I want to believe

But they closed the door between us

My cries she did not receive.

Oh, mother of mine I love you

I see how hard you try

To nurture, nourish and guide me

As the drugs bleed you dry.

The snakes do hiss around you

Wanting to feed of your own warmth

I’m afraid and alone in this room

As I hear each time you transform.

From survivor to heartbreaking victim

Laughter to slurs unknown

Cries to laughter uncontrollable

I feel the change in tone.

But as I lie with my lantern

The light deep within my heart

Hope dances in my chest

As the snakes in light depart.

You told me before they came

“One more night is all we need…

When morning comes, we’ll go

The money will help indeed.”

I see the day is dawning

I hear their footsteps fade

Their laughter and loud talking

Quietens and is erased.

Silently I open the door

My little lantern filled with hope

You wince as you rise

Smelling clean with fruity soap.

With a soft touch you guide me

Away from Fear and Doubt

You take me to our car

Strap me in, keep Pain out!

We are driving far from that place

The sun chasing away the night

“My darling,” you whisper kindly

“Thank you for your light.

The hope you shone helped me

When I felt weak and undone

Your lantern, my little darling

Became my light when I had not one.

You are my hero and my love

I thank you my little rock

Let me now be your safe harbour

For you to safely dock.

Your heart has been broken

And Fear had invaded there

But I promise you, my little darling-

That burden I now bear.

For your lantern is my hope

As I work to rebuild mine

The light you shared with me

Shapes my new design.

Your courage is the spark

Lighting dreams… making real

Thank you, my little darling

For my lantern I no longer conceal.”