Flame

He went over to the chest and opened the lid.
He knew not why and left it at that.

One leg at a time he entered the chest
and down the hatch which was at the bottom of it.

In the dark cave below he reached for a candle
which he knew was on his right coming down.

Grabbing it with guided ease he unknowingly snapped the fingers of his other hand
and a flame burst brightly before him.

The flame looked him over with excitement,
a puzzled look coming over it.

With a quick wave he lit the candle
and the flame settled in cosy and snug.

Holding the candle he walked down the way
over to the circle on the floor just ahead.

He nodded to the flame and it began to cry,
the circle on the floor began to glow.

Entering he was suddenly elsewhere.

The forest was dense and sunlight strained to get through.
Comforting the flame he sat down to pray.

Before him it rose as sprung from the ground.
A beautiful herring fine enough to eat.

Tell me the story he said to the fish.
It told him of warriors and princesses alike.

The tumble of tidings before and ahead.
Things to fear and moorings of old.

He thanked it and went on his way.
The herring say bye and went off to his bay.

Almost as soon as the evening came near
The walker fell over a sleep next to a bear.

When morning came they were treated to bee
and honey abundance, take two take three.

They waved at the bear and bowed as one may.
That was the last they were seen since that day.