Lantern of the Open Road
An Ode to the Flame That Waits Ahead
A small fire burns within my mind
golden tremulous alive
the memory of a friend
who once moved through the world with laughter
The night stretches far beyond me
and still that warmth persists
holding shape against the shadows
I feel the glow in the silence of trees
in the hush above hidden rivers
Each thought gathers around it
every recollection rising into the air
Perhaps it was kindled long ago
by a hand that reached for me
as if nothing needed saying
yet left a light no darkness could erase
O steadfast memory
you are a thought made visible
a vow that trembles but endures
I see my own face reflected in your radiance
and the world grows immense alive forgiven
I lift my head
carrying your glow within me
and walk on
guided by the light of who I loved
About the Creator
Tim Carmichael
I am an Appalachian poet and cookbook author. I write about rural life, family, and the places I grew up around. My poetry and essays have appeared in Beautiful and Brutal Things, My latest book. Check it out on Amazon
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Comments (1)
Gorgeous! 💪🏾🎉