Will-o-the-Wisp


Mysterious will-o-the-wisp,
ethereal spirit appearing.
What possible sense could be made of this
figure in the clearing?

Past the wisteria, and the hyacinth,
I saw the phenomenon of the will-o-the-wisp.

In the mire
growing tired and getting lost.
My feet trip over the peat,
and I slip by the creek
on rocks covered in moss.
While collecting kindle
my sight begins to dwindle
I wish I gave this fire more forethought…
I need a light, I need a light,
I need a light, I need a light,
to guide me…
I need a light, I need a light,
I need a light, I need a light,
to provide me…
with heat for the night…

As if it sensed my despair,
a glowing orb came to view.
I approached with caution and care
Not knowing what it would do.

I’m entranced
by this phantom.
Like a candle
in a lantern.
I watched it dance
and I watched it burn.
I watched it dance
and I watched it burn.

Foolish fire,
will you make a fool out of me?
Curious why you hold
that smoldering spark…
Are you a demon,
or are you a lark?
Should I engage
in this game with your flame?
Or will you do me harm?

I watched it dance
and I watched it burn.
I watched it dance
and I watched it burn.
I watched it dance
and I watched it burn.
Then I took my own turn.

Foolish fire,
will you make a fool out of me?
Curious why you hold
that smoldering spark…
Are you a beacon,
or are you a mark?
No, you are misleading me
Farther and deeper…
down into the dark.