life, poetry

Beacon

lighthouse-in-storm

A lighthouse

warns sailors and weary sea travelers

tows them to land with

safe beacon

lest jarring against rock

they split, spilling into

sea and Orpheus claims

their hopes and dreams

if lighthouse

is not lit, or extinguished

by neglect

indifference furnishing the hearts

of those who look away rather

than consider the part they play

in outcome

should the light grow dim

not be seen on ocean swell or

shape the maps of stars well enough

for observers to secure sight

we have blocked out, inked over

all that shines

my lighthouse turned

like the wrist of a young girl

searching waves for score of boat

scratching surface in ebbing float

like a voice through trees I bid

with my candle your return

staying late into night, squinting

against fog and breaking sea squall

for your beloved shape cresting o’er wave

always I lay my light beyond myself

for you and the part of me devoted

yet in all time, not once you saw

my endeavor sounding shoreline

in tug of heart, rowing out for

your safety, your well-being

no, you came to subsist on

my light leading safety, without

thinking the part you play when

two are together, securing each

the other, to give and take

I light your way, you stay in darkness

on the periphery, outlasting my wield

I try in vain, deafness not always a curse

but chosen, blighted response, closing off

those who bid you within, stay still

you say, no I can take care of myself

it is my life, you are nothing more than

a lighthouse

guiding me near

though never

close enough

for capture

you stay afloat

in knowing

the light will always burn

you shall be able to navigate

and my map is yellowed by your

neglect

a spray of salt and seaweed

staining those hopes I

once had

you would take my hand and

light my way forward in the

reach of your sailing heart

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21 thoughts on “Beacon”

  2. trE says:

    I started to quote as I so often do and had to stop. It is often that others can drain our light without even knowing… and shining luring others in from the dark becomes harder. I loved and appreciated this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Oh, I often take the role of beacon and many times it is unnoticed and unseen even. But while outcome is often not what I hoped I would change not a glimmer of that light. To guide someone just by shining light for them is such a wonderful gift. You are illuminating their talents, their beauty, their choices with no judgement only the light for them to observe and carry forward.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • thefeatheredsleep says:

      I can see that in you my friend. I think often times the beacon is not appreciated and I like you feel it should be and we should look not only at those lost in storm but those holding the guiding light.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  11. She wants to have the speaker’s light to guide but she doesn’t really want him. Or she wants him only when she wants him, not when he needs her. Together they are powerful but she only takes and never gives back, choosing to remain the dark.

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