by Magi the magical poet is flowing with the wind
Member since:
March 29, 2006

Lighthouse

May 13, 2006 05:32 AM UTC
views: 0 | comments: 21

 

 

America is so far away from me

who am a ship under storming skies

and unsafe upon a heaving sea

wherein terror lurks in the deep

and over which fell voices

scream and hatred shriek

at me in peril upon the sea

 

But looking at that far distant

flashing light in the raging night

it guides me to a harbour strong

where I might safely berth at last

and there under the racing clouds

be as the white seagulls

calling and soaring free

upon the wind

 

 

Comments: 21

Annina Anton May 13, 2006, 5:50am UTC
Magi, this is vibrant and descriptive. I feel the swelling seas, the deeply-veined discomfort that accompanies those who set out to cross the seas. Then I sense the relief that the lighthouse's beacon bestows...a promise of safe passage, and freedom from physical harm. Terrific imagery!
Valerie L. May 13, 2006, 5:54am UTC
Magi, I agree with everything that Annina said. I especially like the line, "calling and soaring free." Wonderful!
Thank you Annina and Valerie for your generous comments. In life's uncertainties here in Australia, I do look on America as a lighthouse.

Magi.

P.S. Here the autumn evening is falling. Given the time difference, you both are very early birds. Good morning to you!
Faith H. May 13, 2006, 7:38am UTC
good morning, Magi! this was very fine stuff, except, duh, me I thought it referred to the opposite, America's uncertainties vs. Australia as the snug harbor.
Egghead's Soul May 13, 2006, 9:24am UTC
hey magi !!
you write some awesome poetry !!! seems like after reading this, the feel is that of an authentic one !!
but tho i dont get it, can you explain in simpler words !!
Faith, in a sense both the USA and Australia are safe harbours - but the USA's essence - as I see it - is freedom, despite what the Executive is doing in the name of the the war against terror. In Australia there is NO bill of rights or a first amendment - and new laws (in the name of the war against terror) is draconian and most worrying.

Magi
And thank you, Heather.

Perhaps I'm naive but I think the American people will assert their will to be free of tyranny - especially if such is encroached upon by the US executive government. I think the USA has historically been the lamp of hope - but perhaps the wick need trimming.

Magi
Hi Egghead - I feel uncomfortable addressing you as such. It seems a put-down.

Thank you for your generous comment.

We are as fragile ships in a raging storm of hate, fear and attack. The USA to me is the promise of a safe harbour in the swirling madness - a place where one can still be free to speak one's mind and follow one's dreams without the fear of being attacked.

I hope the above helps to explain the poem.

Magi
Hi Cindy. No, it was to change the focus from the danger to the safety of the harbour.

Magi
Serina Matteson May 14, 2006, 11:41am UTC
Magi, excellent piece.
Thank you Serina

Magi
Rossie Indira May 15, 2006, 2:53am UTC
Magi, if you live in Indonesia like me, we tend to think of other countries are our lighthouses. I especially look at China and South American countries for hope for the humanities. Wonderful piece!
Kathryn Flynn May 15, 2006, 3:00am UTC
Magi, I quite liked this. Especially the words:

But looking at that far distant
flashing light in the raging night
it guides me to a harbour strong

spoke to me...Thanks for that...
Rossie, thank you.

In this uncertain world it's comforting to know that we're not on our own and that there are people and places we can look to for hope.

I've been to your country a number of times - Bali, in fact, and found the people so gentle and accepting. I must see more of Indonesia - you're very, very close to Western Australia. Even closer than Sydney.

Magi
Kathryn, thank you for your nice comment.

Magi
Rossie Indira May 15, 2006, 7:39am UTC
Magi, my husband and I live in Bali from time to time, depending on the financial situation. Our house is in Jakarta, but Bali is the only place in Indonesia that my husband feels better. But Bali is really a segregated place, if you know what I mean, between the Balinese and the foreigners (this includes Indonesians from other islands). You rarely find mix between these two, especially these days. You would find the Balinese at the servicing end of the foreigners. Very sad situation.

Ooops, sorry, this may be out of topic here, right?
Rossie, I do understand what you mean. And it is a sad situation!

No, it's not off the topic - sharing as friends is never wrong, and gives good reason to hope. In fact, sharing is the real meaning of life.

Magi
Catherine V. Jul 8, 2006, 8:42am UTC
Magi -
A very moving piece. As a lighthouse enthusiast - I like your descriptive imagery in your writing.
Catherine, thank you very much for your comment. There is something about lighthouses that intrigues me. I never tire seeing them or pics of them.

Magi
Renda B. Oct 6, 2008, 3:36pm UTC
Wonderful, Magi. I loved the imagery this provided. As for me, the title alone tempted because I am mystified by lighthouses. I like to tour them and imagine the keepers from days gone by going about their daily activities and keeping the light going. I like to imagine, as I look over the railing from the light room, the many ships and sailors that have safely made their way by whatever lighthouse I may be "touring". I also imagine those loved ones that are home waiting on the sailors to return.
Like you, Renda, I am attracted to lighthouses ... they are both mysterious and, somehow, haunted. Like you, I imagine the ships and sailors passing by far out to sea, in the dark night.

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