At last, a poem that understands me and Ruby:

Copyright 1994(c)
 
        Light My Way 
      By Robyn Chilson
 
 Old lamps and lanterns light my way. 
They were passed on to me by others I say 
 when asked where it was that they were found. 
They were my grandparent's, then my parent's, then handed down. 
 
 Old lamps and lanterns light my way. 
They take me back to yesterday 
 when I need to remember from where I came. 
They remind me of those that gave me my name. 
 
 Old lamps and lanterns light my way. 
They guide me with truth and old fashioned ways 
 when I need to restore my faith in others. 
They remind me of front porch talks at Grandpa's and Grandmother's.
 
 Old lamps and lanterns light my way. 
They show me the future that I teach today 
 when my children need to see the past. 
The lamps and lanterns answer the questions they ask. 
 
 Old lamps and lanterns light my way. 
They fuel my dreams that I dream each day 
 when my dreams seem dim and sure to die. 
The lamps light the path I travel by. 
 
 Old lamps and lanterns light my way. 
They take to my older days 
 when my grandchildren will visit me and learn. 
Lamps do more -- much more, than burn. 
 
                -30-