The Old Lamplighter

“It’s so dark, I’m afraid,” said little Joannie.

“Don’t be so scared,” Billy laughed. The other children kept quiet, but they also didn’t like the cold dark streets when the golden rays of the sun had disappeared.

In those far off days in my home town of Cardiff, for years and years, there were no lamp posts to ease the way for boys and girls who played out in the dark as long as they could. But then came ….gas lighting. Lamp posts would be lit every night and glow out their warmth and friendship, chasing away the cold shadows.

“Here comes the lamp lighter,” yelled Tom. “Look there’s his lantern swinging in the dark.”

“I want to carry it for him,” smiled little Joannie.

“No, I’ll carry it,” said Tom.

“No you won’t,” said Will, giving Tom a push.

Billy yelled, “I’m the biggest. I’m the leader. I’m the boss. I’ll carry his lamp.” The rest of the children kept very quiet. They were a bit scared of Billy. He was taller and he was their leader.

The Old Lamp Lighter came up to the children who were gathered by the dark and lifeless lamppost.

“Hello children. How nice to see you. I need someone to hold my lantern safely while I light the lamp.”

“I’ll hold it,” demanded Billy.

“Thank you Billy, but I want Joannie to hold it. But I’ve a very special job for you, Billy,” said the old lamplighter.” Billy looked very happy indeed to get a special job to do. Joannie was so happy, too.

The Old Lamplighter gave the glowing lantern to Joannie and said, “Billy, I want you to stand by Joannie and look after her. In fact, because you’re the biggest and the leader, I want you to always help the other children and encourage them every day. It’s an important job. Do you think you can do that? I believe you can.”

“Yes Sir!” said Billy proudly.

Then the Old Lamplighter lit the lamp and the lamppost glowed out warmth and friendship.

As he walked away, the children heard him say, “The first shall be last, yes, the first shall be last…Feed my sheep, care for my lambs,” and they guessed what he meant.
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