Lighthouse

Mute but immutable. Unmoving, unmoveable; timeless, yet tireless. Solitary stalwart sentinel surveils undulating horizon. Aberrant, achromatic clouds pock-mark the skies, as distant rumblings herald his adversary's latest gambit in their age-old conflict. The wrath of a thousand crashing, clashing, thrashing fists batter against the beleaguered sentry. Ceaselessly, remorselessly, the maelstrom assails him. But the foundations are firm and noble gatekeeper stands steadfast. Single-minded of purpose, placid custodian morphs into combatant as his luminous, voluminous blade carves luminescent arcs through chthonic cloak. Tenebrous tendrils wither and dissipate, impotent under intense lambent onslaught. His victory is only fleeting, as vanquished foes are summarily supplanted by more of their ilk in a seemingly continual surge. Again and again, over and over, tormentor presses the attack, exploiting any weakness. Over and over, again and again, valiant warden repels the barrage and despatches his enemies. And so the pattern repeats endlessly, unabated, as these eternal opponents jostle for position in a perpetual cycle of aggression and defence. Until eventually, finally, ultimately, the stale-mate is broken; when Tempest's tantrum is tamed and Blizzard's battalions have been banished, all is calm. Tranquillity is able to reassert herself and order has finally been restored; at least for the foreseeable future. Obligations fulfilled, the triumphant Guardian can now rest. Until the need arises again, until he's called upon once more, he will wait patiently, watch diligently, in unflagging vigilance. Forever resolute, a beacon of sanctuary, a symbol of hope, his is a thankless task, but the Protector of Mariners will always be needed. ----------------------------------- (C) John C Michaels, 27 July 2017 For Eve Roper's "Lighthouse" Contest. (1st Place)

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 9/4/2017 12:36:00 PM
Back again, albeit late, with deserved congratulations, John...very much deserved! Regards // paul
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John Michaels
Date: 9/9/2017 6:45:00 AM
Thanks very much, Paul! All the best, John.
Date: 8/13/2017 8:14:00 AM
Y.ou deserved first place for this epic piece. I'm in awe!
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John Michaels
Date: 8/13/2017 12:27:00 PM
That's very kind of you to say so, Ralph. Pleased you enjoyed it! Regards, John.
Date: 8/1/2017 2:54:00 PM
This impressive piece is exquisite John! Congratulations on your most deserving first placement! : )
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John Michaels
Date: 8/1/2017 3:17:00 PM
Wow! That's amazing feedback! Many thanks for your kind comments, Connie. I'm delighted you enjoyed it. Kind regards, John.
Date: 7/30/2017 7:17:00 PM
Wow John this is exceptional i love the imagery and the shape Bravo on your top spot:-) hugs jan xx
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John Michaels
Date: 7/31/2017 2:56:00 PM
That's very kind of you to say so, Jan. Thank you very much for the supportive words! Regards, John.
Date: 7/29/2017 7:24:00 PM
Many winners and good thing YOU are in one of the first places! Congrats, my friend
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John Michaels
Date: 7/31/2017 2:55:00 PM
Thanks very much, Andrea! Appreciate the support!! Kind regards, John.
Date: 7/29/2017 11:02:00 AM
Excellent beyond words, John, a fine winner, congratulations:) I loved the shape and your choice of words:) I'm faving this one:)
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John Michaels
Date: 7/29/2017 11:33:00 AM
Thank you for your kind words and double thanks for adding this to your favourites: I'm honoured! All the best, John.
Date: 7/29/2017 10:30:00 AM
John,thank you for entering the contest, you captured the feeling that I was looking for. I like the shape you created , congratulations on your win! :) ~*
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John Michaels
Date: 7/29/2017 11:08:00 AM
Thank you so much for my placement and for running the contest - it was a lot of fun. Am so glad you liked the shape!! All the best, John.
Date: 7/28/2017 2:41:00 PM
- A really impressive written poem, John ... wooow !!! - A winning poem in my eyes - Good luck - Happy weekend :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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John Michaels
Date: 7/29/2017 4:58:00 AM
Thank you, Anne-Lise, for the great comments. Pleased you liked it. Regards, John.
Date: 7/28/2017 10:29:00 AM
Well done, John! Both the shape and its content offer the desired results. The imagery and choice of vocabulary instill movement, power, resilience, hope and ultimate satisfaction. I already see this entry among the winners. Regards // paul
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John Michaels
Date: 7/29/2017 4:58:00 AM
Thanks very much for the amazing comments, Paul and for the vote of confidence for my placement!! All the best, John.
Date: 7/28/2017 10:27:00 AM
What an amazing piece full of vibrant imagery, awesome form, alliteration - just beautiful and a pleasure to read! Best regards. Pandita
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John Michaels
Date: 7/29/2017 4:57:00 AM
Thank you so much for the kind comments, Pandita. Am so pleased you liked it! Regards, John.
Date: 7/27/2017 8:38:00 PM
wow, John, you went ALL out. I just did a simple sonnet, but this one feels like you did it the way I did except with free verse and filling in with much more variety of metaphor and imagery. She will love this, I am sure.
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John Michaels
Date: 7/28/2017 4:53:00 AM
Thanks for the great comments, Andrea. Here's hoping!! Regards, John.
Date: 7/27/2017 4:14:00 PM
Wow this is a great piece of work I was led to. Well done John. Good luck in the contest. :)
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John Michaels
Date: 7/27/2017 4:16:00 PM
Thanks so much, Heidi. I haven't written that many Free Verse poems (I like structure and rules), so am glad you liked it. Thanks for the kind wishes; all the best, John!
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