The Lantern Still Shines

The Lantern Still Shines Mama said the lantern at your grave was dim Out past the bend where the old churchyard begins I bought a bulb and drove there after work Ten years since I lost my little brother to that curve I aimed my headlights through the grass and weeds Your pocketknife still rode beneath my seat The lantern still shines by your name I changed the bulb, but I still carry the blame I come here every year and do what Mama asks The lantern still shines, and I keep coming back That night at the tavern, I took your keys Held them in my hand while you cussed at me I said, “Do whatever you want,” and threw them on the ground You drove off mad before I turned around You ran off the road at Dead Man’s Curve Mama still don’t know those were my final words The lantern still shines by your name I changed the bulb, but I still carry the blame I come here every year and do what Mama asks The lantern still shines, and I keep coming back Mama thinks I come because she asked me to She doesn’t know my last words to you The lantern still shines by your name I carry the guilt, I carry the shame Ten years gone, and I still hear The last thing I said standing over you here The lantern still shines But the darkness only grows