Notes About The Poem

 

E Form - Elegy Poetry Contest

Sponsored by: Constance La France
 
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The Lament of the Lighthouse

No screeching seagulls circled around
The dilapidated forlorn lighthouse.
Its searchlight had long been broken,
A useless artifice for safety
Of ships that plied the ocean near.

The absence of seagulls indicated 
A severe storm was brewing fast.
The sky all around was sepulchral and dark.
All heavy with rain that began to fall
Slowly at first, then gaining fierce force.

A wanton wind rose in a wayward way,
Wailing as if in the throes of death.
Or perhaps these were more deadly echoes
Of drowned sailors that died near the shore.
One can only pray for the loved ones
Gone forever ne’er to return.

How cruel of man not to repair the lighthouse.
The wails of drowned sailors lay heavily on them
Their lack of interest in the common good was dreadful.
Poor sailors died in vain but they were heroes.
They suffered but will not be forgotten. 
The lighthouse became a poignant symbol 
Of their unwavering bravery and courage.

Placed 1
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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12
La France Avatar
August 7, 2024 at 1:37 PM
Victor, congratulations on your win in my contest with this wonderful elegy poem, I liked it a lot, well done, Constance
Edmonds  Avatar
August 1, 2024 at 9:33 AM
Congratulations Victor on your win in the contest with this wonderful Elegy poem… Beryl
Dietrich Avatar
July 25, 2024 at 3:04 PM
Congrats on this one. Nice seeing it again on a winner list
Alex Avatar
July 23, 2024 at 6:47 PM
"Poor sailors died in vain but they were heroes. They suffered but will not be forgotten. The lighthouse became a poignant symbol Of their unwavering bravery and courage." - A very powerful writing. Congratulations!
Fernandez-Garcia Avatar
July 23, 2024 at 1:17 PM
Stunning poem. A tribute to the sailors that unfortunately died often. This is a fishermen area, and there are lots of these tragic accidents. I also love lighthouses, we have one of the oldest. Anyway, well written. Hugs/María
Goldsmith Avatar
July 23, 2024 at 9:52 AM
Back with Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading about your "Lighthouse" again. I Love This Great Picture... Have a wonderful day writing away................
M  Avatar
July 23, 2024 at 8:16 AM
A beautiful lighthouse poem Victor…l love lighthouses they are steadfast, strong, independent and a necessity and hope for the lost at sea! To allow a lighthouse to fall apart is a disgrace! Debx
Rodrigues Avatar
July 23, 2024 at 4:18 AM
Congratulations, my friend!
Roper Avatar
July 22, 2024 at 4:45 PM
Back with congratulations
Proxenos Avatar
July 21, 2024 at 9:20 AM
How cruel, to let people die because a lighthouse so dilapidated and derelict was left to waste and crumble. These deaths, or a least some of them could have been saved, a little empathy, consideration, effort and law and order is required worldwide. Victor, your topics are always so well researched , Kudos for your very thoughtful writes. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
George Avatar
July 18, 2024 at 4:01 PM
We hope they stay remembered. "A wanton wind rose in a wayward way." Beautiful metaphor Dear Victor. You have narrated This so well. Best wishes.
Kaufman Avatar
July 17, 2024 at 1:23 PM
Hi Victor, This is so rich in description, an absolutely wonderful write. Enjoyed immensely..
Hind Avatar
July 16, 2024 at 10:24 AM
Beautiful and in its own way, ethereal- I enjoyed reading
Greenhough Avatar
July 15, 2024 at 8:04 PM
I like lighthouses, though I believe ships now use GPS. Ylur poem is enchanting. Good luck with the contest.
One Avatar
July 15, 2024 at 2:36 PM
An excellent take on this contest.. You have a deep poetic mind..
DiMino Avatar
July 15, 2024 at 8:06 AM
Well said. Yes, the lighthouse is a beacon symbol in the dark of humanity. Follow the light. Blessings my friend.
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
July 15, 2024 at 7:20 AM
Humankind defines our nature, albeit, the human race--defines our placement. We know our place as history taught us, ergo, if we replace meaning with meaning, then it's our nature to forgo our place. The act invites, or sways, enticement. Greed parts our future, between haves and have nots. Titanic was a prime exempli gratia, wherein, the affluent survived, the destitute--died. Parlay the value of life according to their place (HRace), then, it's our nature (HKind)--save, or not. Aloha William
May Avatar
July 15, 2024 at 5:42 AM
A lightless structure won't help in a fierce storm, Very nicely penned
Gentile Avatar
July 15, 2024 at 4:33 AM
Victor, your stark and clear imagery creates the perfect mood for the subject matter of your poem! You've constructed the so well that it is haunting to the reader and not easily forgotten!! Excellent!!
Empress Avatar
July 15, 2024 at 4:19 AM
Dear victor, i love this, the descriptive nature of this and also how seamlessly you weave alliterations always is so impressive! I felt the lines “ Poor sailors died in vain but they were heroes. They suffered but will not be forgotten. ” so heartfelt , and well delivered! Pleasure reading this moving elegy. Best wishes
Kitchin Avatar
July 15, 2024 at 3:25 AM
Victor, a great poem, there are many lighthouses where I live and sadly some are greatly in need of repair. -hugs
Rose  Avatar
July 15, 2024 at 3:22 AM
Some things after they do their duty are abandoned, I agree it a memory of the sailors who fought the great waters of old, thank you for this delightful vision poem, V,
Manassian Avatar
July 15, 2024 at 1:23 AM
I'm at impressed with your command of language. I especially liked the alliteration. Also... the imagery...sepulchral. What content! I hope you do well, if it's for a contest. Thank you for your visit to my page.
Dietrich Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 8:59 PM
It was such a unique idea to do lighthouse, Victor. They are so symbolic of the sailors and the sea. Great job
George Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 8:15 PM
This is so probable. We never repair what is broken. In our country, if there is a gutter in the road, no body cares to repair it, that accidents and deaths become a common occurrence. If people had taken care to repair that lighthouse, the lives of many sailors could have been saved. A touching poem. All the Best dear Victor.
12
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