My candled paper lantern
My faith is a chochin lantern
shaped from bamboo and paper
with past impromptu fortifications
of old shoelaces, paper clips,
thumbtacks and Scotch tape.
It’s an easy target
for the glib and resourceful.
I rarely bring it out in public
to withstand the buffeting winds
and random crushing blows.
Not that my faith has ever been
doused or shattered by mere words.
It shines for me in such an incommunicable way –
my candled paper lantern
with its bright, fragile, flammable covering.
It shines for me dangling afore,
offering steady, silent comfort and guidance
through this great harrowing darkness of a world.
O child of God, keep your little lantern lit
until you become a six foot blaze yourself.
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