how to build (and protect) a lantern

i lit the candle inside

and passed it over

to someone who promised safety

and watched as they did nothing to protect it from the wind

they merely watch the flame go out

and passed the weeping candle back

***

so i built up walls of metal and glass

(and called it a lantern)

so i could watch the light burn strong

i invited someone over

they told me something was missing

-a door

for what would i do if the flame went out

when i did

they opened the door

and blew out the flame

giggling as if they play a simple joke

***

i locked the lantern away in a dark room

because people were cruel

i had to protect the light inside

and so i let no one in

becoming a faithful guard

***

but someone came along

and started to stand beside me

and another

and another

until a certain one

held me by the hand

and urged me to bring the lantern out of the room

***

the thought of blowing the flame out myself

crossed my mind

they can't disappoint me if there is no flame to put out

and they yanked the lantern away from me

as the smoke still curled in the air

to my great surprise

they lit the candle's wick themselves

before handing the lantern back to me

so we could both watch the flame

and care for it like precious treasure