Strength From the Light

There was a castle on a hill

In which a king abode,

And near his high domain there lay

A crystal lake below.

The winter's chill was in the air,

The ground was hard and cold --

Do listen quietly as now

I tell a tale of old.

One day the king took notice of

That crystal lake so still,

And made this proclamation for

All those who had the will:

"One thousand rupees I will give

To him who takes my dare

To stand within that icy lake

All night without a fear."

No one would volunteer for such

Despite the charm of prize,

Except for one who boldly thought

To give the dare a try.

As sunset faded from the sky,

The people warm at home,

That one brave man stepped in the lake

To pass the night alone.

All night he stood without a flinch

As night grew darker still,

And he was there until, at last,

The sun rose o'er the hill.

When morning came, the king went out

To see how he did fare,

And to his great surprise he saw

The man still standing there!

"How did you last?" The king inquired,

"Why did you not depart?"

"O king, there was but this one thing

That cheered my fainting heart;

When cold and darkness threatened me

I looked upon the hill

And saw the glowing lamplight in

Your polished windowsill.

I fixed my eyes upon that light,

Though with a shivering hand;

So long as it was in my sight

I had the strength to stand."

Oh, soul who's in the cold, dark night,

Withstanding deathly chill,

Fix your eyes steadfastly on

The Light upon the hill.

And when, at last, the morning breaks

Eternal, bright and fair,

Our King will give reward to those

Who faithfully stood there.

Copyright © Elisabeth Linzey 2014