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