The White Lighthouse

a white tower with a black helmet
stands that juts out into the water,
waves splash over its concrete and plaster
as if trying to push it away from tragedy,
a beacon of light shines brightly
day and night, giving passing vessels
warning to stay away from danger...
locals call the structure a lighthouse
sea captains call her a savior...
the man who operates the guiding light
lives inside her and has for several years,
cooking his meals on an iron stove
with local wood from the neighbors
to pay for his constant services...
the man in the lighthouse is old
and feeble - not much longer will he live,
the locals worry not for this occurrence
and no one to replace him they have,
"yonder she blows" say the sea captains
a nor'easter to beat all storms declared,
the old man hears of the storm and
makes sure the light is fortified...
in the morning no white tower is
seen standing nor any remnants at all,
as if nothing on that piece of land
ever existed there, neither the old man.

May 25, 2025