White Pearl

I had an offer to go home after twenty years. 

To leave behind the grief that brought so many tears. 

My wife and child are asleep in their grave. 

A new job on the sea! Off I went, oh so brave. 

My predecessor was disappearing with the love of his life. 

Poor fool fell for another man’s wife. 

They planned to stowaway on the White Pearl.

A new life for him, the unborn and Matilda, his girl. 

I trimmed the wick and cranked the handle 

To keep the paraffin oil near the candle. 

The first few nights were like a dream. 

The sea and I were the perfect team. 

My light was the guide and the sea carried the crafts. 

I had no idea this peace wouldn’t last. 

On the third night I heard a scream 

The start of the end of my lighthouse dream 

I ran down the stairs, round and round 

Towards the blood curdling sound. 

The staircase was dark and I held my candle high

‘Is anyone there? Please answer me.’ I cry. 

Silence broken by my words coming back to me. 

The light was dimming! It needs to shine brightly. 

I ran back up my tall tower. 

Then something hit me, from behind with power. 

My head pounded and stars danced before my eyes.  

All I remember is the dying light against pitch black skies.

I slept the night through and the light died. 

The ships left unguided, at the mercy of the tide. 

I woke to the sun and strangers surrounding me. 

They kicked and grabbed me. Pulled me to my knee. 

‘You were the light!

All on board the White Pearl died last night.’ 

‘No, please, you have the wrong man. 

You don’t remember me but I grew up on this land.

I was hit on the head 

Someone wanted me dead.’

‘A woman was murdered while you were not the light. 

The Mayor’s wife Matilda was found dead last night.’

‘You didn’t light the night because you were committing a crime. 

Now you will hang but all in good time.’

A man ran into the lighthouse chamber. 

A moment I wish I didn’t remember

I can still see MATILDA inked into his arm. 

And feel the sharpness from the slap of his palm. 

‘You killed my Matilda and those on the White Pearl. 

With your predecessor missing, there’s more to unfurl.’

Mistaken identity and framed as a criminal. 

A town in pain, acting irrational. 

They mourn the dead but not me. 

Oh, all I wanted was to be by the sea. 

Now I wait in the line to be hung by the neck.