Beacon – #poetry #dVerse

I have been witness`
when the storm swelled out at sea
a lonely lighthouse 
anchored at the shore

casting light upon the surging tide
and knowing I could do no more
than witness, be
a beacon blazing light

as you were tossed about in waves
and almost dashed to pieces
on the treacherous rocks
of self-doubt and self loathing
.

Beacon I, a witness, I
loved you always, sometimes from afar
hoping you’d see the light you sought was near:
‘Turn on the light within!’

So silently I’d cry
blinking once, twice, three times then
blazing, find your way safe back to shore
and home to me.

© Experimentsinfiction 2020, All Rights Reserved

Written for dVerse Poetics, where Peter is hosting. He has asked us to write some form of witness poetry. I have done this in the past, but never about events I have witnessed myself. The truth is, I haven’t witnessed many earth-shattering events, only personal tempests and domestic struggles. So that’s what I wrote about here.

33 thoughts on “Beacon – #poetry #dVerse

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  1. A beautiful extended metaphor, Ingrid. Lighthouses are wonderful things; we have an amazing red and white striped example not far from us in Happisburgh, thankfully still ‘anchored at the shore; but, due to erosion, we’re not sure how long for. I love the rhythm and alliteration of ‘a beacon blazing light’ and ‘blinking once, twice, three times’ and the crescendo of ‘then blazing’ before the comforting final line.

  2. The persona as lighthouse, as the witness, the savior: this is just beautifully imagined, Ingrid, and a powerful testimony to steadfast love.

  3. This is incredibly gorgeous! 😀 I especially love; “Beacon I, a witness, I loved you always, sometimes from afar
    hoping you’d see the light you sought was near: ‘Turn on the light within!’” 💝💝

  4. I love the sea imagery here, Ingrid, and the analogy is genius.

    “as you were tossed about in waves
    and almost dashed to pieces
    on the treacherous rocks
    of self-doubt and self loathing.”

    The crashing waves, the interpretation of being submerged by an inner depth of self-doubt and self-loathing; all this happening to someone you care about or love, it can be so hard to witness it especially when there’s nothing that can be done directly to change it. Such a beautiful and profound piece. I enjoyed reading it very much. <3

  5. and you did it so well … all those confronting self doubt and loathing need a friend ready to listen, not judge! This is true friendship and many are in need of this kind of support 🙂

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