THE OLD LIGHTHOUSE

By Nobel George

Fort Kochi - 30 July 2018

Standing tall on an island I have witnessed a 100 years go by

My golden colour a mast in shining brass, they still gaze in awe

The glorious days of my birth at the hands of Robert my father

Bristows we were known to the sea and the beautiful little Kochi 

I was ageless to the millions of lovers who longed to see my light

They docked at my shores in peace to rest, to trade and to feast

None stayed back for long, they kept leaving me when it was time

Again I would scour my eyes and sweep the seas with my beacon

Endlessly searching the horizon for my next lover to come calling 

Sometimes they waved at me from the sea, sometimes they didn’t

But I still kept looking, gazing yearningly into the vast blue void.

I stood alone, I stood strong, for I knew they would need me

Years passed briskly without my knowledge, I never kept time

The incessant rains or the scorching sun, I never really cared

The waves sometimes soothing and sometimes menacingly wild

The white soft sand at my feet had never changed their colour

I unendingly burned in order to guide more of my lovers ashore

I have watched over, guided and harboured many a voyages

Some traders, some warriors, some fishermen, some unknown

But all of them thanked me and asked me to be there, always

I have promised them I will and by the sea I swear I will keep it

Even if it means to burn myself forever in ardent love of purpose. 

Earlier there were none, but now I have many a neighbours

Big mansions on all sides with lavish landscapes that chuckle at me

My relationship with the sea is eternal, like an immortal love saga

We have seen and mused over many transgressions in time

Still we loved each one of them and gave them every thing we had

I am still standing as beautiful as I was years before, perhaps wiser

I never rested though, never gave up on hope, never lost a night

Take me in your heart O’ lovers of mine, ’til we meet again, soon.