Into the Night
The sea has long posed many a hazard to mariners, but none more formidable than when drawing close to a ship’s port of call. Traditionally this was a most anxious time for captain and crew as the buffer of boundless buoyancy – and the relative peace of mind it afforded, rapidly fell away beneath their hull.
Under the cover of darkness feelings of uneasiness could quickly teeter on the terrifying as assuredness vanished in the face of a raven shroud. No amount of navigational experience or attention to detail could inspire confidence beyond doubt amidst such fluid ambiguity and shifty silhouettes.
During the days of yore, a lighthouse was often the very definition of hope when nightfall descended in broad and opaque fashion. Only when light dared to pierce the otherwise impervious nebulosity did the disquieted mariner breathe a sigh of relief.
For over two centuries, lighthouses – strong in both stature and mission, have gone into the night with their unfaltering beams of brilliance to show the way. And though their lifesaving powers are no longer as imperative in this era of digital innovation, the guiding gleams of a lighthouse still go forth into the night. Even tonight!
Light and darkness are unchanging – and perpetually will be. May our appreciation for the role of a lighthouse in times once epic so too be enduring.
Bob, your eloquence combined with your outstanding photos are a joy for me! Thank you for sharing your love!