The Lighthouse Keeper Wonders
The light I’ve tended for forty years
is now to be run by a set of gears,
the keeper said, and it isn’t nice
to be put ashore by a mere device.
Now, fair or foul the winds that blow
or smooth or rough the sea below,
It is all the same. The ships at night
will run to an automatic light.
The clock and gear which truly turn
Are timed and set so the light shall burn.
But, did ever an automatic thing
set plants about in early spring?
And did ever a bit of wire and gear
A cry for help in the darkness hear?
Or welcome callers, and show them through
The lighthouse rooms, as I used to do?
“Tis not malice these things I say,
All men must bow to the newer way.
But it’s strange for a lighthouse man like me
After forty years on shore to be.
And I wonder now–will the grass stay green?
Will the brass stay bright and the windows clean?
And will ever that automatic thing
Plant marigolds in early spring?
-Edgar Guest
I was asking myself today if I should post the most autumnal image I shot today or the one I liked the best. I opted for the one I liked the best. Still plenty of time for autumn leaves and such. We made our way into Maine today and there is a little more sign of color though we may have to wait until we get into the mountains of New Hampshire for the real deal. Meanwhile, variety is the spice of life and who doesn’t love a lighthouse? I ran this one through a simplify filter to soften some of the rust and peeling paint.