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Ghosts of the Watchtower
The end-of-summer breeze gives hint with cool caress
Of coming autumn gales and forecasts of distress.
But who beneath the sun, when halcyon days abound
Imagines they will face the storm tide’s rising crest?
The tower stretches high above the granite ground
So built to watch the sea and guard the nearby town.
The ancient wars have passed, forgotten now by most;
The lookout is unmanned, the klaxon makes no sound.
Now blueberries and cream, the smell of buttered toast,
A breakfast at the inn served by a kindly host.
The thoughts of war impending seem like a child’s game
When sunlight sparkles on blue waves that lap the coast.
We dream these shining days will ever be the same:
A seascape bright and tranquil in a gilded frame.
Yet those sharp men of old, who also dreaded war
Kept watch far out to sea and practiced well their aim.
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Kyle Fiske is the author of the historical fiction novel Dragons and Boxers, set in Boxer Rebellion-era China. He has also published a collection of speculative fiction short stories called Even Closer than the Sea. He lives on scenic Cape Ann, Massachusetts. His website is www.kylefiskeauthor.com.
‘We dream these shining days will ever be the same: /
A seascape bright and tranquil in a gilded frame.’
Fabulous!
Thank you, Paul.
Just read this poem aloud with more time to read. It really is my kind of poem.
Double fabulous.
Beautifully written with an idealistic setting that is the staunch watchtower, yet somber tone of remembrance of past dreads. Excellent any way I look at it.
Thank you, Roy.
Nice detective work by the SCP staff to select this photo! I mentioned some general details of my location and the subject when I submitted this, but not the specifics. This IS the exact tower that inspired the poem. It’s now open as part of a museum there.
The poem seems to be a descriptive development of the old Roman warning: “Si vis pacem, para bellum” (If you want peace, prepare for war). Everything is peaceful and lovely in this old watchtower, but it makes sense to think about your enemies, and what they might do.
You got it, Joseph.
Nice sequence of pictures, Kyle. Pleasant seasonal weather, the oddly ominous tower, present-day tourists enjoying it all, and you putting it in a “gilded frame.” Only those final lines bring in past watchmen as active peacemakers who established the scene by keeping a good lookout and practicing the martial arts of preparation. Their finished work earns the thanks of the present sharing their “aim.” Excellent summary in the final word with double meaning.
Thank you, Margaret–that’s it.