photograph © Alastair Forbes
In folklore, telling someone you’d leave the light on for them was a friendly way of saying you looked forward to their visit. But that was in another time, another place and as far as John was concerned a completely other existence from his current one.
Hiding out in the decrepit old mansion he was pleased there was no electricity. He looked forward to the safety of darkness soon to envelop the estate with the coming night. He felt safer in the dark.
Which was rather amusing in light of things, he thought, giving out a harsh bark of laughter. And then repeating to himself, “In light of things. Too funny, I made a pun.” No pleasure in his laughter, though.
It was a truthful pun. As a child he’d been deathly afraid of the dark and always had a night light on to feel okay before he’d sleep.
Now, a light on meant someone would know he was here. He glanced up at the silently mocking chandelier. Life did work in mysterious ways. He sighed a weary sigh, and settled in to wait for the safety of the lightless night.
***
To take part in this writer’s challenge, just check in here at Sunday Photo Fiction Your host, Alastair, will guide you through the process. To read other entries (fun and well written), click on the little blue link box, while there.
Hope your enjoyed, thanks for stopping by,
With a little bit of whimsy relating to light, does anyone remember where the following humorous phrase originated from: “Put the candle BACK!” (I just love this movie by the way, tons and tons!)
~ Penny
The Why About This 
Your ‘Put the candle back’ reminded me of a children’s Halloween movie that stars Bette Midler – funny it is named Hocus Pocus… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hocus_Pocus_(1993_film)
(I named my two part Sonja Series Hocus and Pocus.) Anyway, if that line isn’t in the movie it ought to be. I don’t recall though the movie you are referring to. I didn’t have a whole lot of time to spend on the haibun since I was working on my own Hocus and Pocus (Flash Fiction piece).
Due to the holiday, my son didn’t need me during the day, but had a night class, and Mommy had a meeting so I watch the little people from about 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm. And it was a challenge after they woke cranky from their naps. Thanks for your visit…but I’m going to attempt to eat something and crash – since I have to be up at 6 am tomorrow.
It’s from a Mel Brooks movie from the 80’s, Young Frankenstein. Go eat and crash, good luck tomorrow jules! 🙂
Love Mel Brooks. The best line though for me was…
the neighing of the horses after anyone mentioned;
“Frau Blucher” 🙂
I only have the one year old tomorrow.
Do you know that in German Blucher means glue factory? too funny! 🙂
*groan* Now I will be laughing harder when I think of the movie and anything Mel. So many hidden treasures.
You can watch his stuff a hundred times and not get everything. I did read that most of that movie was, well unscripted – tons of ad-libbing. Must have been so fun to make.
I saw a “special” 25 year anniversary where all the actors from the movie gathered and said, basically they had so much fun filming it, they didn’t want to leave when it was finished. I believe them!
A warm post.
Thank you, kind sir. I hope the weather is being good to you.
Great take on the prompt, Penny. I love the perfectly placed pun too, it added to the situation beautifully 🙂
Hi Lyn, thanks. The pun did come to mind as I was writing this piece, glad it worked out well!
Pingback: Realty 101 – Know when to sale and run | JED's Playhouse
I like that, and the pun in there as well 😀 That did make I giggle
Thank you Alastair, I aim to please (well some of the time when I’m not preoccupied doing my own creative writing, lol!) 🙂
Always happy to make you giggle, Alastair! LOL 🙂
AnElephantCant deny it
Some tales leave him in the dark
But when sweet Penny writes
There are always delights
And his world is brightened by her spark
A beautiful compliment from a wonderful poet, but then elephants are amazing so it shouldn’t surprise one! 🙂 xo
It’s interesting, how such a saying got brought up to modern times among other ones eh 🙂
Yes, it is. A shame the tradition didn’t follow along with the saying, sigh! Have a great week Andy! 🙂
If only eh! 🙂
Thanks for the tip in the meaning of switching on the light.
😀
😀