Notes About The Poem

Lighthouse

my friend,
          beacon, bright ...
               how you have bewitched my years,
     dancing on the wall of my room since my first memory,

a warm sweep of security and steadiness,
          never failing - ever true ...
               blinking me to sleep each night like a prayer -
     "I'm here! - I watch! - You're safe!"

I wonder ...
          are you really a warning?
               Or do you wink your sparkling eye
     only to taunt the unwary prey at sea?

Schooners, barques, cutters, and frigates,
          wagging their masts like bony fingers,
               admonishing you for your questionable intent.
     How many have fallen for your treachery in ages past,

turned to driftwood and terror by your crimped and craggy skirt?
          Not even Neptune's raging ire can affect your flicker,
               for you have stood, steadfast and bold,
     through the wickedest of gales ...

splitting the beastly billows with dire disregard,
          and turning the tempest's tides
               to naught but foam and spray.
     But your days are numbered, old friend,

the world spins far too fast these days for your kind ...
          your lights being snuffed by digits and dials,
               and the indifference of technology.
     But I shall remember you ...

your pulse will live on in my mind,
          and in the hearts of all those who knew you -
               all those who survived for your sake ...
     and numbered your glinting gaze.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
April 9, 2021 at 12:10 AM
Very descriptive and expressive with some very deep thought that we need to consider in these troubling times. Congrats on your winning work. Way to go. Sara
De Beaulieu Avatar
April 5, 2021 at 11:59 AM
Hello Gregory R. Barden, I love the lighthouses. They are all different and beautiful. My fav. I hope you had a Happy Easter. Enjoy your day my friend.
Bangalee Avatar
April 5, 2021 at 12:21 AM
Beautiful poem penned; I enjoyed
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