Lighthouses

I am not sure exactly when my love of lighthouses began, but I suspect it began because of the movie Pete's Dragon. I loved that movie as a child and watched it every time it came on television. I have had a romantic perception of them as long as I can remember. It is very hard to put into words that which is not meant to be put into words, but the best I can do is to say that I find them romantic, lonely, haunting, everlasting, comforting, warm, strong and beautiful.

I grew up near the Bolivar Lighthouse on Bolivar Peninsula in Texas and always looked forward to passing it when we were waiting in line for the ferry to Galveston.(this is not my photo, I got it from an internet search for images)
The summer after I graduated college, I was fortunate enough to go on a month-long trip and see many lighthouses that dot the west coast from the border with Canada down to Los Angeles. What a trip that was!!

Our visit to the Cape May lighthouse on Sunday just reaffirmed my love for them and I wanted to share the pictures I took of it as well as a poem I penned about lighthouses some years ago.

Last night I had a moving dream

of a lighthouse by the sea.

It's beauty and it's aura

seemed to call out to me.

For I was a ship lost at sea

in a horrific torrential storm.

I prayed for something to save me

for something to keep me warm.

Weathered and beaten I struggled and fought

to keep myself afloat.

But the angry surf tossed me about

No mercy for this pitiful boat.

Just as I had given up

surrendered to the relentless tide.

I caught a glimpse of safety

a beacon as my guide.

It's flawless beauty beckoned me

steering me away from harm.

The waves around me seemed to disappear

as I moved towards its outstretched arms.

The amazing strength of the structure

took my breath away.

I was challenged by the sea again and again

but never falling prey.

Mesmerized by its beauty,

I wanted to stay awhile.

For it mended my heart, it filled my soul

And colored my world with a smile.

I'm comforted by it's promise

to faithfully provide me with light.

And I hope that love will forever shine

as my beacon in the night.