#260 The Light Always Follows You Poem by Jimmie Arrington

There you stood against the rail
And I stood close behind.
So in love my heart could fail,
With my arms around you entwined.

I whispered softly into your ear
About the surrounding beauty.
You spoke back and it was clear
Our subjects didn’t agree.

For when I said “beauty” I spoke of you,
But you meant the lake and night.
I concurred, as your words were true,
But knew my hidden meaning was right.

Together we took in the midnight view,
The water, the stars, the moon.
I wished to stay this way with you,
But the time to depart came soon.

Just before we walked away,
Something caught my sight.
Three lampposts across the way
Cast on the lake three rays of light.

The lampposts were evenly spread,
One to the left, one to the right
And one was set straight ahead.
And they caused my soul to delight.

Though spread, each light stream
Pointed to where we stood.
At first it seemed a bit extreme,
Then finally I understood.

I explained this marvel to you
And we tested what I thought.
We moved to the right a step or two
And the rays shifted to our new spot.

Then alone, you move a few steps more
And again the light followed you.
Just as it had the time before,
My thoughts were proven true.

It was then I noticed, long ago,
No matter where you move to
And no matter where you go,
The light always follows you.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Much time has passed since then
And you have come and gone.
So alone I visit this lake again,
Knowing I’ll never quite move on.

It’s still pretty here in the night,
As I begin reminiscing.
Still the water is a wonderful sight,
But it’s “beauty” is missing.

I see again the timeless hosts,
The stars’ and moon’s midnight show.
Again I see the three lampposts,
Casting off it’s mild glow.

But what is this? How can it be?
I see the three rays of light
Are now pointing directly to me.
How could this be right?

Ah! Of course, I now realize
Why the beams are aimed at me,
It’s because they search the land and skies
‘Til they find that lost beauty!

Just as I thought from the very start
Still today is ever true.
As you are forever in my heart,
The light always follows you.