Lonely Lighthouses

Eyes of light beams pierce ocean air
as Neptune rests within his lair.
Sentinels hand-made of stone,
that keepers used to call their home;
guide travelers, sailors on their way
a lovely sight both night and day.

Though today they’re automatic,
once someone ascended to their attic;
to turn on the light and keep it oiled
so harbor and bay had no wrecked spoils.
One’s orientation was not lost,
though about the seas ships were tossed.

For the Lubber’s lines worked their magic,
in preventing any shipwrecks, tragic.
Rough navigation the lighthouse soothed,
making for a landing smooth;
ships reached port abandoning fears,
when to the lighthouse they drew near.

So thank the gracious hand that built them,
for your cruise won’t end up grim.
Hoist that mainsail with great joy,
as light to night seas they employ.
These lonely specters in tribute stand
towering testaments to ingenuity of man.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Bavington  Avatar
November 4, 2025 at 7:58 AM
I have seen many lighthouses from our trawler as we traveled and lived on the water. They are an awesome sight all lit up at night and a magnificent structure in the the daylight. On our six years of traveling the waterways they were always a welcome sight for each one was different on the outside, yet, that light at night we were thankful for as it shined bright.
Kingston Avatar
October 28, 2023 at 9:40 PM
Imagine what stories lighthouses could tell if they could communicate? I love your first stanza, and the last 2 lines of your fourth stanza very much. Hundreds have been grateful to see such welcoming statues when cold, hungry, scared and tired. I agree with Bill below, what a lovely tribute to the the lighthouse.
Proxenos Avatar
August 23, 2023 at 10:55 AM
What a beautiful poem MLK what has happened to us, we answered each other regularly . MOST FORTUNATELY OR UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE OUR BUSINESS TO NURTURE AND AS IT HASN'T LET US down, we pay it equal respect. This poem is one of your best, although all are WONDERFUL. I HOPE YOU ARE WELL DEAR FRIEND, Blessings, Jennifer.
Kiser Avatar
December 4, 2023 at 12:21 PM
Thank you, I will be back at some point.
Baker Avatar
August 15, 2023 at 1:24 PM
Lovely tribute poem to the lighthouse. Important invention, they have saved many lives. Have a great day! ML Smiles ~ Blessings Bill
Buhagiar Avatar
June 27, 2023 at 2:57 AM
MLK, a wonderful poem which brought me nostalgia I agree with Gerson. Lighthouses are automatic but lost their allure. Nonetheless, your poem is graceful and charming.
Alexander Avatar
June 20, 2023 at 12:13 PM
I absolutely love this poem! Sooo so so good. Telling the story of these wonders so elegantly… you’re an artist with a pen in your hand! Beautifully well-written. Lighthouses are one of my favorite landmarks. Well-done! All the Best, Michael
Wolf Avatar
June 18, 2023 at 7:28 PM
Why does today's 'automatic' take all the joy out of yesterday's brave navigative heroics for me?! I guess safety trumps romantic notions of risk. Still... Nice write, M.L. :) Gershon
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