Far across the ocean, on a tiny Scottish isle, a lonely light is calling, calling -
“Come back and visit for awhile.”
I see her rocky outline, her wild yet welcoming shores,
The seagulls’ nests, the cormorant’s perch -
Memory’s screen is showing more!
Mossy rocks below the lighthouse wall, fed by the misty rain
Tiny flowers cling to sea-worn cliffs -
I am a girl again!
Walking o’er the grassy slopes, enjoying the cold, salty air
Looking down towards the
lighthouse tower
For the light that beckoned
me there.
In stormy weather she guided ships safely through “The Tan”
Many a weary sailor accepted her keeper’s helping hand
When fog was thick, her foghorn blew a mournful warning note
Her light would flash - Sailor beware -The Clyde will claim your boat!
My mind yearns to linger, roaming Cumbrae’s hills
The lighthouse, seabirds’ nests, and the waters - grey or teal
View of the other islands, Arran, Bute, the misty Kyles
I am so glad the light called out -
I stayed there quite a while!
© Robina McLaren 1999
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