One chore I have
As Lighthouse Keeper
On Partridge Island,
Is to count the ships
As they come
And as they go.
They signal me with their bells,
And some, with their new-fangled horns.
It was one of those blasts
That took me down to the dock.
And, indeed,
A ship was leaving for sea.
But first,
(Much to my surprise)
It let off
Sister Darling of
The Rarefied Church Of The World (reformed)
” It’s Saint Walpurga’s Eve”, said she.
“What?” asked I.
“Don’t be an oaf.”
She hit me on the shoulder.
“Grab the cat.”
She heads along the shore.
I scoop up
Paw, my cat/kitten,
Black as the Furies
With one white mitten.
And away we follow.
Sister Darling scoots along the
Narrow path beside the water.
And comes to a stop,
Looking far out to sea.
“Start praying!”
Which I do, for after a
Bout of fervent prayer,
Sister Darling wants fervent relief.
She speaks and sputters about
Ghosts, and opening veils, and
Blessed Saint Walpurga, opening
Doors to God.
Blessed Be! say I
Paw and me, we exchange
A certain glance
Knowing we both
Will feast tonight.
I’m The Lighthouse Poet Laureate of Partridge Island /1821 – 2023 / A lot of stuff have I seen / A lot of stuff to report}
DE BA.UEL
