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Only a Lighthouse

How black the seas in a pounding storm! The lanterns were all blown out. Only the lights within still burned For crewmen strong and stout. The flash from the clouds would scarce reveal The main and the mizzen bare. Only a jib on the foremast flew To point her homeward fair. The captain on the helm withstood The gale and pelting spray. “Only an act of God”, he thought “Could spare us all today!” His ship was a fine one, swift and sound, But was failing against the waves. Only the quarter of a harbor near Would save this crew so brave. The squall raised up a fearsome wave To send them down to hell. Only to give the captain view Of a lighthouse o’er the rail. That pulsing sentinel guided him Through rocks and shallow shoal. Only to bring them safely home, A haggard twenty souls. Only a Lighthouse By: Dean Wood 7/19/2017 Quatrain 1st Place Lighthouse Contest Sponsor: Eve Roper

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Pat Adams

Date: 9/20/2018 7:43:00 PM

Awesome write that makes you instantly show it to someone else. Well done and a FAV for me!!!........pat

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 8/1/2017 1:15:00 AM

This is just excellent Dean! It felt like a journey I was on as the realism of your imagery and story continued. Your nautical terms exceed expectations and this is one of my favorite entries! Very deserving of first placement Dean! Congratulations! : )

Dean Wood
Date: 8/1/2017 7:07:00 AM

Connie, thank you for this thoughtful comment. Your reaction is just what I had hoped for in the readers. Thanks again for taking time to prop me up. -- Dean

Jan Allison

Date: 7/30/2017 7:10:00 PM

I really loved this one Dean the imagery and rhyme is awesome many congrats on your win:-) hugs Jan xx

Dean Wood
Date: 7/31/2017 9:23:00 AM

Thank you Jan. Glad you are not leaving us. Not funny btw!

Eve Roper

Date: 7/29/2017 10:25:00 AM

Dean, thank you for entering the contest, you captured the feeling that I was looking for. A beautiful piece of art, congratulations on your win! :) ~*

Dean Wood
Date: 7/31/2017 9:21:00 AM

Thank you Eve for sponsoring this contest. I really enjoyed writing this one. And to have you call it a work of art is gratifying. Many thanks for your friendship! - Dean

John Michaels

Date: 7/29/2017 5:08:00 AM

Impressive write, Dean. Nice to see it from the PoV of the sailors! Congrats on your First Place win!

Dean Wood
Date: 7/31/2017 9:20:00 AM

I can only imagine what a lighthouse would mean to a sailor in a storm. Glad you enjoyed it, truly. - Dean

Daniel Turner

Date: 7/19/2017 5:35:00 PM

I'll second the awesome! I loved this one, Dale. Something one might see in a book! Reads like a winner to me:)

Dean Wood
Date: 7/20/2017 9:43:00 AM

Thank you so much Daniel, that means a lot to me. I always appreciate your comments. Regards, Dean

Dale Gregory Cozart

Date: 7/19/2017 4:48:00 PM

awesome. I really love it.

Dean Wood
Date: 7/20/2017 9:42:00 AM

Thanks Dale, coming from you that is a true compliment! Glad you enjoyed it. - Dean