A Shadow of Light

Waves crash violently
against the face of jagged rocks.

Salt water leaves its mark
on the edge of the barrier,
while shiny crystalized pieces,
dried out from the hot sun,
stick to the surface…
just out of the waves’ range.

This continual beating will go on for days,
when out of nowhere,
a gentle caress takes its place.

Calm waters, like a whispered song,
convince the rocks
that a little peace has arrived
and all is well.

The rocks play a critical role
in protecting this small piece of land,
responsible for saving
an untold number of lives.

The shoal forms a circle
inside the ring of rocks
as birds find a welcome refuge
from the sea.

A dry, safe place to land
for a bit of rest.
Maybe a quick meal to be had
of insects
and a lucky find of a burrowing worm.

A lighthouse sits
in the center of the small island.
Years of neglect show
in the weathered look
of the once whitewashed bricks.

Seeds managed to make their way
up the side of the lighthouse,
taking hold and sprouting,
starting a new life.

Tufts of green
dot the darkened white walls
to create an abstract piece of natural art.

The weathered brass
at the top of the lighthouse
turned a speckled green
from lack of care.
Hands that once rubbed
and massaged the brass
are long gone.

The lonely catwalk, abandoned,
stands as if it is ready
for its keeper to return
at any time.

A film covers the glass,
blocking out any evidence
that a light once shone brightly
from the lantern inside.

The forsaken lighthouse,
once so proud,
always ready,
bright and gleaming,
has become
but a shadow of itself.

Inside the lighthouse,
the spiral staircase
wraps around the edge of the wall
like a hand wrapped
around the souls of its past keepers.

A piece of each remain,
their essence stained into the walls,
as an internal monument
to the sea.