The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse lifts its massive masonry,
A pillar of fire by night, of cloud by day

It sees the ocean to its bosom clasp
The rocks and sea-sand with the kiss of peace

The sea-bird wheeling round it, with the din
Of wings and winds and solitary cries

It sees the wild winds lift it in their grasp,
And hold it up, and shake it like a fleece

Steadfast, serene, immovable, the same
Year after year, through all the silent night

Extracts from The Lighthouse by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow