Lighthouse Stories |
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Elaine Pitler
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What strange stories Boston Light could tell As she sends out her warnings to ships that pass, Of keepers that sounded the cannon and bell. Who hung the lanterns and polished the glass. Telling of rescues and watery graves, She signals of peril and impending distress From treacherous rocks and thrashing waves, Flashing beams of hope across the darkness. Since Colonial days, she has served us well, Standing firmly today as she did back then. Still withstanding the winds and seas that swell A symbol of assurance to sea-weary men. In centuries past, there were solitary men and women whose lives revolved around tending the light. When wailing winds would beckon to the ships like sirens of old, not all made it safely through. Keepers and their families would attempt to save the shipwrecked survivors, but often, their lives were lost in the process. It is in a tribute to them that the beams from the lighthouse still pierce the sightless night. Editor's Note: This is the first article on the lighthouses along the New England coast. The next article will deal with George Worhylake, the first lighthouse keeper.
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