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THE GLOW OF GOODNESS
ASPIRING TO BE A LAMPLIGHTER
What can Robert Louis Stevenson and a lamplighter from 1800s Scotland teach us about
life in today's fast world? Quite a bit, if we read between the lines.
Born in Edinburgh in 1850, the young Stevenson was afflicted with one illness after
another. He made the most of his long days indoors by becoming a voracious reader.
As an adult, he became a prolific poet and novelist, producing classics like "Jekyll
and Hyde" and "Treasure Island."
In his poem "The Lamplighter," Stevenson recalls the evening view from
his childhood home. He would watch the lamplighter firing up the outdoor oil lamps,
and it seemed like a wonderful job. "When I am stronger," he wrote, "I'll
go round with you."
But is Stevenson talking about the work itself -- or about the aspiration of being
a good person who casts a warm glow of kindness? Decide for yourself. Here's the
complete poem:
THE LAMPLIGHTER
by Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)
My tea is nearly ready and the sun has left the sky;
It's time to take the window to see Leerie going by;
For every night at teatime and before you take your seat,
With lantern and with ladder he comes posting up the street.
Now Tom would be a driver and Maria go to sea,
And my papa's a banker and as rich as he can be;
But I, when I am stronger and can choose what I'm to do,
O Leerie, I'll go round at night and light the lamps with you!
For we are very lucky, with a lamp before the door,
And Leerie stops to light it as he lights so many more;
And O! before you hurry by with ladder and with light,
O Leerie, see a little child and nod to him to-night!
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