The Everlasting Flame

I wandered in the darkness, feeling lost, and all alone,

At times fear overcame me as I struggled on my own,

If only there was help for me, some way to ease my load,

Someone to give direction, and to smooth the bumpy road,

And then, amidst the darkness glowed a soft and gentle light,

I peered to where it came from as it grew more bright and bright,

I lengthened pace towards it, striding now with renewed hope,

Each step the light grew brighter, giving sense that I could cope,

As I drew close it filled the sky, a soothing, pleasant glow

That brought me calming feelings, and I felt that I must go

To finds its place of origin, and see what light was this

So bright it lit the mountains and the depths of the abyss,

No place on Earth was overlooked as its glow enveloped me,

I marvelled as I neared it, just what power could this light be,

I walked towards the golden glow, and bathed in it I saw

The light was shining brightly from behind a large glass door,

I pushed the door ajar, and stepped inside where I could see

A tiny flickering candle and a Crucifix 'fore me,

I doubted how this tiny flame could fill the world with light,

But here was I, out of the dark, my world was now so bright,

And then I saw the marble slab the Crucifix stood on,

And carved into the shiny stone these words engraved upon,

"I am the Light, I am the way, for you I light this flame,

And now that you have found me you shall know me by my name,

I am the Son of God, and those who follow me shall find,

A light to light their darkness, and at last, Peace in their mind".

John Pemberton  1995