Ben asked this question when he noticed that there was only one light in his parents’ bedroom. Voila, a lonely lightbulb’s lament.
I came here in a cardboard box
With five more just like me
We couldn’t wait to get to work
And help the people see
They put us on a table
And we looked up at the ceiling
And saw where three of us would live
It was a thrilling feeling.
The person who had brought us home
She climbed up on a chair
Took three of us, but left three back.
It felt a bit unfair.
“Don’t worry” said my neighbours
“For the lights here go in threes
We three will stay together
And be happy, just like these!”
We saw the first three shining
As she carried us away
But when we saw the next room
It filled us with dismay
The light fitting was double here
Not three, but only two
So one of us would stay behind
And nothing could we do.
Yes, it was me who wasn’t picked
My neighbours said goodbye
I watched them as she screwed them in
And tried hard not to cry.
At last she took me up the stairs
What waited at the end?
Perhaps another lightbulb
Who would need me as a friend!
But no, she brought me to this room
Which almost made me groan!
It only had one fitting
So I’d be here all alone!
And if that wasn’t bad enough
It’s where they sleep at night
So when there’s people in here
They don’t often want my light.
I wish I were a kitchen light
Or living room… Instead
I am the lonely lightbulb
And I live above the bed.
Tom Juniper Poetry 