song of the lamppost man

We did not always need you—before the street lamps came to be

But once we saw the light at night, we decided that created a job must be

You did you work with precision—on the dot with help from your clock

You brought out the light on time to rise like suns with your ladder and pole

And returned again at close of night to let the authentic sun take its turn

You lent us security in the darkest part each night

You offered up a change for extra time to play or even fight

Yet as time passed, we found new ways to always have our night be day

And we do not need you anymore; you're written out in a thankless way

But when we perchance walk home at night, we feel your sacrifice

And cherish all the light