My Lantern

A small black lantern, well used I'd say
With soot on the glass and rust at the base
The handle is bent and it dosen't stand quite stright
But it sits on my desk in an honored place
It was a necessity at night in a far gone day
It belonged to my Dad when he was just a lad they say
He held it safe through all his days
Then passed it to me as his time slipped away
When I look at it now my memories race
And though it no longer shines it still brightens my face