The Lightkeeper

The dark and rickety stairs
of friendship,
so dimly lit by the light
that escapes the enforced veil.

The trees shiver,
harassed by the bitter cold.
A weary traveler rides up,
hoping for a warm hearth
and some kind words.

A knock on the door goes unanswered.
The lightkeeper sleeps,
oblivious of the engulfing darkness,
content in peaceful slumber.
No welcome song, no hot soup..
silence is its own insult
as the night embraces solitude.

(2002)