Light Keeper

He stood atop the tower
looking down upon the sea,
His weathered face, his wind blown beard,
A sight for all to see.

Eighty seven granite steps
From the bottom to the top,
Endless years had slowed his step,
His courage would not stop.
Another lonely stormy vigil, 
the light his only bride,
Still high here in his tower tall,
he would stay fast by her side.

The winds they sang a frightful tale,
each note was louder still,
It tugged upon his yellow coat, 
his blood it seemed to chill.
The sea's harsh hands clawed on his walls, 
the waves like mountains beat,
Still high upon his tower strong
His thoughts not of defeat.

The rain did slash against his cheek,
and hard it was to see,
The rocks below they trembled 
At the pounding of the sea.
With hands of steel he gripped the rail,
And stood his weary ground,
His bride's soul shining brightly 
As she danced around and round.

Someplace in a distant night, 
The keeper still stands tall,
His steel gray eyes still straining
To see his children shall not fall.

The wind may sing a different tune, 
As it calls out to his heart,
The tower now stands tall and still,
But his soul will never part.
The sea now sings a calmer tune,
Than that of years long gone,
The darken silent tower
Only knows her groom is gone.

Richard Huggins

©2000