My Private Whispers and Light Blog

The Lantern Keeper

264 Words

The Lantern Keeper

There is a lake that doesn’t exist on any map—hidden deep within an ancient forest where the trees remember everything. Some say it was born from the dreams of dreamers. No one knows for sure.

If you were to find this lake, you’d see a boat approach just before midnight. No one rows. It simply glides, pulled by the hush of forgotten dreams. In that boat sits a quiet soul—neither child nor elder, neither past nor future. A lantern hangs from the bow, casting golden ripples across the ink-dark water. It does not burn oil or wick. It burns memory.

Each flicker tells a story—of first kisses under thunderclouds, of wolves dancing in snow-light, of names whispered between worlds. The light is soft but certain, as though it has made peace with both joy and sorrow.

In the pine-shadowed branches, an owl keeps watch. It sees not what is, but what might have been. It is the guardian of the threshold between sleep and waking, between dream and remembrance. It does not hoot—only listens.

Some say the Lantern Keeper is a dreamer lost within a dream. Others believe the lantern shines for those who wander—illuminating the path home, or leading the way to where the soul is meant to go.

So sleep with ease, dear one.
If ever you find yourself lost,
The lantern keeper will be there,
Lighting the way.

And the boat drifts on—
Because somewhere, someone still needs the light.

Peace, blessings, and may your dreams always find their way home.
Tee M.