The Cape Schanck lighthouse is still full of ghosts
of keepers passengers and sailors who died on this coast
as white as the thick walls through which they keen
they swirl through the tower only glimpsed never seen
forever unsettled by tragedy at the mercy of storms
restless air is chilled by their cold empty forms
even when the wind is warm and the wide strait is calm
they struggle with their violent cruel death and its legacy of harm
remembering loved ones left behind who grieved at the cost
ghosts grieve for futures never had to the sea that were lost
today's lively visitors to the lighthouse one and all
never leave without hearing a whisper or a ghostly call
when they climb the spiral steps to look at the view
they hold loved ones closer against a chill as if they knew
each of the ghost stories from each deep watery grave
all stop a sad shivered moment with the souls never saved
then they return to their homes families and friends
departing a ghastly lighthouse dance that never ends
My response to The Skeptic’s Kaddish W3 prompt. Make sure you read Dennis Johnstone’s and Nancy Richy’s two wonderful poems included.
poetography.ink 
Wow, hauntingly beautiful
LikeLike
Thanks for taking the time to comment so appropriately. Gave me a smile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Outstanding take!
LikeLike
Thank you Reena, I thought both poems included with the prompt were very fine and quite inspiring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know you liked those.
LikeLike
Your poem reminds me that lighthouses are strange places really. It makes sense that souls lost at sea would accumulate there. You’ve got me thinking about this more than I expected. Thanks for that! Nicely done 👏
LikeLike
Shaun, I am so pleased to learn the poem got you thinking. That is a comment I really appreciate, thank you.
LikeLike
Sean, apologies for the delay. I’m not having the best week (actually month) health wise and am also trying to complete a major poetic project. I also like to read each poem a few times.
You’ve created a strong, consistent atmosphere with your poem. The sense of place and the lingering presence of the past came across clearly. The lighthouse feels inhabited. More, it feels like an active setting. You could build on it further by bringing in what the lighthouse does as a beacon, so that sense of haunting connects more directly to its guiding role.
Thanks for responding to the prompt.
LikeLike
Sorry to learn you have been unwell. A major poetic project sounds interesting. I hope your health doesn’t impact negatively on such an undertaking. I agree the lighthouse is an active setting. In fact you discover several ways it is so when you visit. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sean your poem is an atmospheric and sensory piece that captures the duality of Cape Schanck – rugged coastal beauty versus its history as a ‘graveyard’ for those at sea. 🙌
LikeLike
The lighthouse stands as a sentinel, guard and possibly host to those it failed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙌
LikeLike
Interesting take, and it has a haunting quality as well.
LikeLike
Thank you for commenting Indira. I am glad you found a haunting quality to the poem. There have been many shipwrecks along this coast, so I figure if you are going to find one anywhere, on this coast you will find a ghost.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. So many untimely deaths? Sure sole is wandering there. Maybe.
LikeLike
Now this is outstanding writing. Yes. I love it. Thanks.
LikeLike
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment Selma, Much appreciated. I am glad you enjoyed the poem. It is a truly beautiful yet rugged coastline where many a lost soul has fallen victim to its natural harshness.
LikeLike
It’s my pleasure Sean.
LikeLike
A very atmospheric piece. I’ve never really stopped and thought about the loss that surrounds the lighthouse, more as a conveyer of life. Well done.
LikeLike
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I expect many lighthouses represent at least one local tragedy that occurred before construction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. And, I’m sure you’re right.
LikeLike
I really enjoyed the haunting tone of your poem, it actually reminds me of how I still hear my nan and grandads ‘guidance’ when I visit their resting place…💞Suzanne
LikeLike
That is a lovely comment to receive Suzanne. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
☺️ you are welcome
LikeLike
Sean, a great descriptive piece!
LikeLike
Thank you for reading. I very much appreciate that you appreciated it and chose to let me know.
LikeLike
Aww.. this is brilliant. The guard of a storied past, and yet in a monet of contemplation, one can hear the stories the lighthouse wishes to tell.
A little spooky as well.
Loved your response to the prompt, Sean
LikeLiked by 1 person