Marsh Lights

How gently now the lights do bob
up and down in the balmy air
suspended by naught in sight-
neither hand nor sconce
doth claim the golden glow.

"Watch carefully, my son, and note
the pattern and habit of these
the floating lights.
Can you see- now, there it is!-
see that one that winked out
and in again?"

"I see it, papa, I truly do;
and is it always so with these?"

"Always, dear boy, since
a time before- long before-
you had ever a thought
of entering this enchanted world."

"But what is it that holds them there?
Is there a rope from which these
lamps do swing? A piece of fairy gossamer
that keeps them steady in the air?"

"I do not know, I cannot tell.
I am so sorry, my dear son. This
has ever been a mystery, and even
the wisest men in town do not possess
the knowledge which you seek."

"But Grandpapa- he knows, yes?
I heard him speak of it not a day ago.
He said that these are the lights
of the dead, the spirits that protect
our home, our village, our family
from the evil that lurks within the bog."

"Grandpapa is a such a storyteller;
he was a bard, you know, when
he traveled the land."

"But is he right?"

"I suppose he is, in part...
Yes, in part he is correct, at least,
so far as any village myths are concerned.
Legends tell of a hero long ago
who rescued an entire city
from a grave and terrible destruction.
In return, their spirits guard his tomb."

"Who was the hero, papa?
Do I know him?"

"He would not be in your lessons,
son."

"Then he was not famous?"

"Not enough for a school book, no."

"I should think such a deed
would be worthy of the praises
of the entire world! If I were him,
I should want my name known
throughout the villages and towns
across the plains and hills and oceans."

"Indeed, his act was worthy of such note."

"Why did he not spread the news?"

"I think he preferred to remain
a humble, unknown doer of good,
my son."

"Well, I think he is great, greater
than any wise man in the town."

"Me too, son."

How gently now the lights do bob
up and down in the balmy air
guarding the secret
of the shallow marsh
wherein their savior doth lie.