A vertical cloud by day
A pillar of hope at night
From afar I see the white lips
Of the intemperate waves
But lightning on its rods and
Crashes on its sturdy base die a
Silent death before I can react
Like a lighthouse, I brave the day
But I crumble alone at night
From afar you might see my lips
Curled, but not know about my waves
Or of the lightning that grips and
Crashes on my frame and I die a
Silent death before you can react
So when you see me during the day
Hold back your gripe, don’t inflame my night
I was once a lad with upturned lips
Afloat but scared of sinking waves
That swelled over society’s brink and
Quenchless flames that on my bosom die a
Silent death before I know how to react
Bid me “Sail On!” you stately lighthouse
Of me make a new Prometheus*
Copyright © selmamartin
- Prometheus is known for his intelligence and for being a champion of mankind,
and is also generally seen as the author of the human arts and sciences. - “A new Prometheus*” mentioned in H.W. LONGFELLOW’s Poem The Lighthouse
is used here with the above reference.
Written for Sadje’s WDYS prompt # 256 and on behalf of all people battling
waves of anxiety in seas that shake them like a fleece.
“It sees the wild winds lift it in their grasp,
And hold it up, and shake it like a fleece.
“…bring man nearer unto man!”
~ The Lighthouse by H.W. LONGFELLOW
For the visually challenged reader, this image shows a lighthouse located on a tiny
piece of land near a rocky coastline. The sea around it is misty and gray.
#Keepitalive
#Whatdoyousee
#WDYS
Thank you for reading.
- Homage to Dante: What Ails Thee, Trifler? - December 13, 2024
- Do The Southerlies Come For The Wicked Too? - December 12, 2024
- Dectina Refrain: Tinged Living Lessons - December 11, 2024
This is lovely, Selma. Lighthouses are magical. Hugs.
Lighthouses. Magical. I agree. Thanks for reading and commenting dear Teagan. Bless you
Loved this, especially ” hold back your gripe, don’t enflame my night.
Yea. We never know how people cope —everyone’s going through something or the other. Let’s all be kind to one another.
I agree 🩷
So profoundly beautiful Selma. Makes on ponder on life. Thanks for joining in.
Lighthouses are great life monoliths. Great metaphorical wisdom for writers. I enjoyed the prompt. Thanks, Sadje. Bless you
You’re right! They are a source of inspiration and fascination too. Thanks
This is stunning writing Selma.
So beautifully profound.
Thanks for the enthusiasm dear Maggie. Bless you for liking and commenting. XO
You are very welcome Selma xo
Have a lovely day 🙏
❤️
Bless you friend. 🤗
Oh my! This was extremely captivating. Gorgeous, evocative poetry👏👏🤩🤩
Oh my. I’ve been waiting for a comment like this. Thanks, Jude. Hope all’s well with you. Blessings.
Lovely, Selma!
Aww. Blessing dear Dawn
And here are these hearts to brighten your space. Enjoy:
💚🩵💛🩷