Monday, August 12, 2013

The Guiding Light

"The Guiding Light"  by Adrian Underwood

 

On the East Coast of Suffolk stands an icon we see;

A lighthouse that has a particular connection for me.

 

For twenty nine years my Father was the attendant,

And my visits with him I recall as resplendent.

 

A majestic tower bathed in red and white,

Has been guiding mariners day and night.

 

Its sector light declares two shingle banks,

For which many a sailor has given thanks.

 

Every five seconds a bright beam of light,

Sweeps boldly from the coastline each night.

 

Its lamps have changed from oil fired to metal halide,

But have shone true throughout both time and tide.

 

From having two keepers to full automation,

Orfordness Lighthouse has been part of our nation.

 

Over two hundred years it has stood tall and proud

Withstanding the sunshine, the rain and the cloud.

 

Modern technology has now made it redundant,

With Sat. Nav. devices which are all too abundant.

 

Its demise makes me overwhelmingly mad,

That it cannot be protected is extremely sad.

 

With coastal erosion its fate soon will be,

This beautiful tower will be subsumed by the sea.

 

That grey expanse safely navigated on every wave,

Will eventually become its watery grave.

 

When it finally disappears from the Orford Ness skyline,

It will surely be forgotten by generations in time.

 

But for those who remember its beam late at night,

I hope, will fondly recall it as their guiding light.