The Lantern That Learned to Glow
Long ago, a warm lantern floated above a sleepy river market, lighting the way for every tired eye. Its gentle glow became the kind star that shines at bedtime.
Read the story
Long ago, on a slow, wide river, there was a floating market.
Boats bobbed like cradles.
Cushions sat on decks.
Moonlight made silver flecks.
At the market lived the Lantern Keeper.
Each night, the Keeper carried one small lantern.
It glowed gold.
It glowed warm.
It glowed, glow-glow-glow, through misty swirls.
The Keeper sailed from boat to boat.
“Sleepy boat, float and sway.
Starry boat, drift away.
Little lantern, light the way.”
The boats held cups, pears, blue cloth, and soft bread.
The river made a tiny sound:
“Lull-a, lull-a, lullaby.”
The lantern answered,
“Glow-a, glow-a, sleepy sky.”
At the last boat, the Keeper found a little one resting under a cloud-soft blanket.
The little one watched the golden light.
Blink, blink.
Slow and sweet.
“Is the lantern for the market?” asked the little one.
“It is for every sleepy eye,” said the Keeper.
“For moon, for boat, for bear, and you.”
Then the lantern rose.
Up, up, up.
It became a warm star above the river.
That is why one kind star always shines when bedtime comes.
The market tucked in.
The boats rocked.
The blanket cuddled close.
The river whispered, “Rest, rest, rest.”
And the little one closed sleepy eyes.
Safe on the quiet night,
warm in the soft light,
dreaming bright, dreaming right.
Glow-a, glow-a.
Good night.