The Lighthouse

High atop these rocks by the sea
Stands tall a stalwart hope
A welcome for the ships arriving
A vision for those, bearings lost

Standing on this shore
Where it is needed most
Ornamental by day adding
To this picturesque coast
And necessary by night protecting
From these vicious shoals

Here, as if forever
These eyes have seen too much
Looked upon the many grateful reliefs
Of those who without this light
Could have never made it back
With tears and disbelief

Seen too, the hopefuls
Who knew not their fate
Thrown against the rocks
Until they drowned, escape so close
Their ships sleeping at the depths
Never to be seen again 

This, the role of the lighthouse
Cannot help the ones who survive
Without watching the ones who die
Always standing there, bearing loss
Just to bring some home