Guiding Light

Maryport harbour

The marker light shines out across the bay

Over the sand covered by the tide

Hiding the shifting gullys in the sand 

Waiting for the unwary to attempt to cross

No at high tide the fishermen 

Come to chance their hand

Fish for breakfast

Or maybe just plain bread

Again

Across the bay the light shines 

To show the fishermen in boats

Where home and loved ones sit

Waiting for the glad return

Fish to clean

Fish to eat

Fish to sell

The sailor know where lies the home 

The safe deep gully 

Long defined

Made by the River Ellen

Named after the Masters wife

He to whom they pay their rent

When the light up

With those from the windows of the Kirk

The light from the Lord Above's house

The light always shining bright

That line they follow 

In the knowledge it comes from

"Him Above"

In him they place their trust

" Pater Nostra 

Qui es in caelis "

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Beautiful image of the lantern light from the lighthouse at work, warning of dangers in the vicinity. Your lines refer to the fishermen and how the lighthouse gives them bearings when they are fishing at night, so they are aware how close to home and danger they are. A fishing community focus on catching, cleaning, eating and selling. All their activity encompasses fish. You might want to check for minor edits. I also like your chosen title "Guiding Light because it can refer to both the lighthouse and our Lord.

Chris

[Wild Rose]

Thank you Christine > I am not a sailor or fisherman
We moved to live near the sea
Taken on our journey home - Looking at the image on the screen with the single beam of light - which is masked out on the landwards side - the idea of a guide to home because it only shines a bright beam along that safe corridor and yes it is in line with the kirk

[Chris Shaw]

It's a really good photo Wild Rose. You really captured the mood and moment.