these days, everyone else seems to prefer the electric bulb lanterns powered with batteries. well, those lanterns last longer than the old fashioned ones. they entertain with their midi-like music and flashing rhythmic lights. and the wind doesn’t worry them.

they seem to like these new-fangled lanterns so much more than those hazardous paper ones with real fire.

but not me.

because my heart burns like a flickering candle for yours.

Author’s note: So I took the longest walk last Saturday along the East Coast that I live next to, and smiled as the children ran circles around me with their lanterns that made beeping music and flashing lights. But my heart flickers and all I can hear it say is “… just who on earth are you and just when are you going to show up?”