THE LIGHT FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE

By Elon (Posey) Randall

Dedicated to Jack Pamp 12-12-1960

These men were associated with the Athens Indian Mission and the Haven of Rest Mission in Battle Creek , Michigan.

The Lighthouse stood on a rocky isle;

And the ships that passed by night

Were warned of the treacherous rocks and shoal

By the lighthouse’s flashing light.

Which seemed to say; don’t come too close

Stay where the water’s deep

Keep away from the shallow rocky shore

If your ship you’d safely keep.

The keeper was faithful at his post

For many long weary years;

And the flashing light, in the stormy night

Allayed the sailor’s fears.

Then the keeper thought he’d take a chance

He’d visit the mainland town;

He’d row across and get some things

And be back before the sun went down.

So, he rowed across for it was not far

But ’twas late when he started back,

And the wind was starting to blow a gale

The clouds grew stormy and black.

The keeper rowed and tried so hard

To get back to light the light

So it’s beams could warn the Mariners

And the ships that passed by night.

But the wild waves overturned his boat

And he lost his life that night.

So his ship was wreaked on the rocky shoal

Because there was no light.

We may never live on a rocky shore

And tend a lighthouse light.

Yet we each must live and stay at our post

Or be lost in eternity’s night.

So let’s each stand true to our God above.

Keep our lamps all trimmed and bright.

The sailors watch for our lighthouse beam

And there are those who watch our light.