The Lantern Sitting On My Fireplace Mantel
Bring memories of fun times in life
As a child, I remember
Visiting cousins who had kerosene lanterns
They had no electricity, no running water
We carried water from the well outside
Then we went to the outhouse
Our lantern was lighting up the sky!
~
Years later, I went to stay with a friend
They had no running water, no electricity
Lanterns were lighting our way
We milked cows and rode horses
Her parents were building a house
Lanterns were our guide outside
~
And still years later, in the hunting shack
There was no electricity, no running water
There were lanterns when entering
Lanterns were so important
We took a lantern to the outhouse
It helped us to feel safe in the woods
~
We were roughing it and having fun
I don't remember hearing complaints
It was just the way it was for us
The lantern on my fireplace shelf
reminds me of those times.
It was lit when the electricity went out
~
When going home, I remember
I was happy to be home
Today, I know I am always happy to be home
Even when staying in a five-star hotel
Love to be home, and I enjoy seeing the lantern
The memories and knowing we have light
About the Creator
Denise E Lindquist
I am married with 7 children, 28 grands, and 13 great-grandchildren. I am a culture consultant part-time. I write A Poem a Day in February for 8 years now. I wrote 4 - 50,000 word stories in NaNoWriMo. I write on Vocal/Medium daily.
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Comments (4)
Such a beautiful poem, Denise! My grandparents lived on a farm and they also had lanterns for the outhouse and other places like my grandpa’s work shed and the bathhouse in case electricity went out. They were so much fun!
I love how you’ve captured the way something as simple as a lantern can hold so many memories of family, simplicity, and comfort. 💛
I have never used a lantern before. Such a beautiful poem!
Beautiful work! ☺️🫶🏾