The Last of the Light-housekeepers (poem) by Felix LeRoy Perry on AuthorsDen

The Last of the Light-housekeepers
by Felix LeRoy Perry → (All Poetry by Felix LeRoy Perry)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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Modern technology advances again into the ways of the old days..
*The Last of the Light-housekeepers* *An isolated island sitting off the barren coast of* *Nova Scotia* *Giant light revolving sending warnings far out into the Atlantic seas* *Swept and pounded from time immortal by the salt brine waves* *Waves changing coastline moving shifting rocks and trees* *Guiding the ships men and women who seek the safety of a harbour* *Welcoming arms of light that lead them to safety like a garden ardour* *In the house below without the benefit of modern society inventions* *The light-keepers family read by kerosene light of mortal man�s intentions* *A fire roars in the antique woodstoves in the kitchen and parlour* *His rubber boots, oil skins and sou-wester hang by the door* *Waiting for when he must go tend to his precious light once more* *Mother rocks her baby as generations of women have done before* *This is a life that no one in our world could imagine that�s for sure* *Ah...he is the last of his kind and like his father before him he loves the light* *He loves the solitude, the smells, even the taste of salt on the breeze at night* *Coast Guard has sent his notice the light will be automated come spring* *They will have to leave the home and the no more hear the seabirds sing* *His son will not inherit the job that his family done for a hundred years* *He feels his heart ache and he fights back the salt sea of his tears.*

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

Reviewed on April 8, 2005

Ah yes. This hits close to home as the same thing is happening here. And this is symbolic of much, much more. Thank you, Felix. Love and peace. Regis

Reviewed by SHERRY HEIM

Though life is a forward motion, it is sad to see some of the romantic things of old leave us for modern technology. This is a beautiful and nostalgic write, Felix. I was left with a sense of aprehension for both he and his family.
Take care,
Sherry

Reviewed by Paul Williams

A fine tribute Felix, to more unsung hero's who were very much taken for granted. It is such a shame that the old ways make way for the new at the expense of livelyhoods.

Paul;-]

Reviewed by Kate Burnside

This is so poignant, Felix, and it really made me think about the plight of those who are having the very fabric of the essence of who they are, who they always have been, and who they always desire to be taken away forcibly from them by the steady march of "progress". Being very landlocked, do you know I had never even considered that lighthouse keepers were anything other than self-chosen isolates - so the idea of it being a "family-thing" really hit me between the eyes. It would make a great subject for a novel I think... although I hope I am not talking through my hat here and that Virginia Woolf has already written the definitive version with her "To The Lighthouse"!! Funny, it's a job I can imagine you would be very well suited to... but then, you would need to be able to get out your very fine poetry and thoughts to your always-appreciative audience, so don't even consider it!! Can feel your heartbeat of empathy strongly in this one. Touchingly portrayed, TY Kate xx

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Reviewed on April 7, 2005

Oh nostalgic write Felix...I could feel this...the imagery very vivid...but sadly this is life..and technology just got the better of us!!

Not sure but check this...I think there might be one word too many "they" say!!
"Welcoming arms of light them lead them to safety like a garden ardour"

If not my apologies to you!!

Love Tinka

Reviewed by jude forese

the light houses at Montauk and Fire Island have also been automated ... this poem is a fine testament of the age we live in ...

Reviewed by karen beecher (Reader)

It would be hard to live like they did before automation. One can only imagine what life would have been like back then. Very interesting poem, well worth reading it through two times. Karen

Reviewed by Bonnie Torrente

Very interesting story comparison.
Good write!

Love, Bonnie