Lighthouse Keeper

The storm is like a raging beast,
It terrifies, to say the least,
The wind is like a bitter chill,
But keep my watch, I surely will.

I grip the rime-encrusted rail,
And blink away the stinging hail.
I miss a step and almost fall,
But it deters me not at all.

The spiral stairs take me atop,
The lighthouse tower, and then I stop.
I grunt with pain at creaky knees,
And hope my hands and feet don’t freeze.

I do not wish to die of cold,
But I am weak, my flesh is old.
I fear a fever’s burning breath,
I fear this storm may yet mean death.

That time is mayhap drawing near,
And if that happens, then I fear
That there will not be anyone
To do the job that I have done.

I flip a switch and then the night,
Is beaten back by blazing light.
It cuts through gloom and blinding spray,
To guide ships safely on their way.

I step back out amidst the gale,
Once more I grasp the rain-slick rail.
I head inside and leave the storm,
To lash the rocks while I get warm.

No matter how the seas may roil,
I'll not yet part with mortal coil.
I'll hasten to my bed and then,
Awake at dawn to start again.