If I were a lamp-post,
Then whither would I go?
Where lamps are thickly clustered
In brave and brilliant show?-
Round the stateliest mansion
Within the city square,
To shed a day-like radiance
On the gay and fair?

If I were a lamp-post
Much rather would I stand
Within the darkest alley
The city can command:
Where the day is sunless,
Nor through the long dark night
E'er comes from earth or heaven
One small gleam of light.

If I were a lamp-post-
Oh how would I delight
In such a dismal corner
To bear my burden bright:
Standing where most needed,
'Twould be joy to me
Of those whose homes were brightened
The grateful joy to see.

Let me be a lamp-post,
With faithfulness and care
In some of earth's dark places
The lamp of Truth to bear:
Heavenly light upholding,
To show the one right way
To wanderers through the darkness,
Lest they fall or stray.

I. B.