Lantern Light Lost

The literal highlight of my walk in the park every night never disappoints.

Tonight was my last chance to admire my favorite Gothic lantern whose light my joy anoints.

Its much protested removal revealed developers were stronger.

Tomorrow, it would stand no longer.

Tears welled up at the thought of its demise.

It flickered seemingly acknowledging my cries.

An unwelcomed intrusion interrupted my last tribute.

My lights also flickered and went dark as soot.

Unconscious for an unknown time or reason,

rain pelted my face hard this rainy season.

Looking up from the awkward position as I landed,

Squinting protected my eyes that the bullet-like raindrops demanded.

My lantern flickered in and out of consciousness, like me.

Soaking wet on the ground, my injuries needed help urgently.

Reaching up to touch my head, the lantern went out, again.

No way to see if the wetness on my hand was rain or blood,

but surely it must be blood since I was in piercing pain.

Another flicker and the lantern lit up offering help.

My hand was covered in rich, red blood and I began to yelp.

Attempting to call for help was all in vain.

Nobody was in the park with rain this insane.

My cellphone and wallet were gone of course.

I flickered out again, not knowing the source.

The lantern and I had much in common.

Truly, a unique and well-lit phenomenon.

Consciousness turned my light back on and the lantern was right there with me.

It flickered in shared solidarity comfortingly.

Rain began pouring harder immersing my head above my ears.

Tears streamed from my eyes with hopelessness and fears.

The lantern flickered wildly and darkness appears.

“Please stay on! You’re my only hope!”

Just as wildly, it came back on to help me cope.

I wondered whether any of this was actually happening,

as my head lowered deeper into the mud so sickening.

With cheekbones now covered, I tried to lift my head.

Unable to move my head, a broken neck will render me dead.

Calling out for help was weak and worthless.

Thunder and lightning drowned out my whispering whimpers.

Fearing a lightning strike would render the lantern lifeless,

I stared at the light knowing it might be the last light I’ll ever see.

I was pulling for it to be there for me.

It was all the hope I had left on this late June.

Yet, the rain was now a massive monsoon.

My head was my rain gauge,

and my nostrils were filling with water.

I choked and gagged, but that was all I could engage.

Holding my breath to hang on to life was impossible,

rainwater now covered my eyes sealing my fate so horrible.

I stared at my lantern keeping its light on for me, until I was no longer able to see any light.

The lantern flickered out one last time ending all this fateful night.