The Lighthouse

For nigh on a hundred-fifty years it has graced the rugged shore of Maine!

Its welcoming beacon guiding sea-faring souls who sail the mighty main!

It has weathered untold fearsome storms of gale, snow, sleet and rain;

A faithful, stalwart sentry defying such nuisances, guarding its vast domain!

Old Captain Blair, its keeper, knows all too well the perils of the sea,

For he captained majestic sailing ships for many decades, you see.

He wearily climbs the circular stair to light the candles at close of day,

And with practiced eye, scans the roiling sea to ascertain that all is okay.

Alas, one dark and stormy night the US Frigate Arcturus met her fate!

A blinding fog and raging seas doomed the Arcturus on that fateful date!

The beam of the lighthouse could not be seen! There was naught to do!

The ship was dashed upon unforgiving shoals drowning her valiant crew!

The old lighthouse still guards that stretch of sea to this very day.

Modern lamps now cast their beam while Captain Blair sleeps 'neath the clay!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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De Beaulieu Avatar
March 26, 2024 at 11:43 AM
Hello Robert Hinshaw, Lighthouse are important to the ships. and small boats. At one time lighthouses keepers use to live in the lighthouses. Robert enjoy your day. My friend. /Darlene/.
De Beaulieu Avatar
March 26, 2024 at 3:43 PM
Hello bob H. You are very welcome. Happy Easter. Best Wishes /Darlene/
Hinshaw Avatar
March 26, 2024 at 12:28 PM
Thanks so much, Darlene. I appreciate your comments and support. Best to you - Bob H
Elliott Avatar
March 12, 2024 at 3:56 PM
Another superb maritime rhyme poem, Robert. You captured the elements, the sea, and the lighthouse with its keeper in oceanic verse. Have a restful March evening, poetry friend. ~
Brotherton Avatar
February 28, 2024 at 6:11 PM
A marvelous poem, my friend. Such strong imagery and fantastic story telling.
Hinshaw Avatar
February 28, 2024 at 6:45 PM
Thank you, Jerry - glad you enjoyed. I cherish your kind comments Bob H
Rodgers Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 7:14 AM
Dear Robert, Wonderful image poem! The history, the dedication of Captain Blair, the tragedy of the Arcturus - you write a very captivating story. The contrast between the timeless lighthouse and the changing technology adds a layer of depth. Beautifully written, - Blessings, Daniel
Hinshaw Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 10:24 AM
Thank you, Daniel. Your kind comments are greatly appreciated. Glad you enjoyed - BobH
Cunningham Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 10:15 PM
Love this Bob, over the years they have saved hundreds of lives, sailors seeing that light would have been relived to see it, giving them hope. Tom
Hinshaw Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 10:26 AM
Thanks, Tom. I'm fascinated by old lighthouses. Best to you always - Bob H
Romios Avatar
February 26, 2024 at 9:26 PM
A phenomenal write! All the earmarks of a POTD! I admire how you weave tales. A fantastic, dramatic tale, that bring both ship and crew into our poetic lens, I must compliment you on your awesome vocabulary and imagery. I can’t imagine how long this took to compose. Captain Blair sleeps neath the sea. Your poems are incomparable. You never write to impressor be top poet, nor popular. That entitles you to be called “POET” Pangie 9:20 pm 2/26/202e Congratulations,a stellar write, Bob!!
Hinshaw Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 10:28 AM
As always, Pangie, I appreciate your kind comments and continued support. Glad you enjoyed - Bob H
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