Halibut Point watchtower at Cape Ann (Amber Scott)‘Ghosts of the Watchtower’: A Poem by Kyle Fiske The Society October 10, 2024 Beauty, Culture, Poetry, Rubaiyat 10 Comments . 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. . . 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. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Trending now: 10 Responses Paul Freeman October 10, 2024 ‘We dream these shining days will ever be the same: / A seascape bright and tranquil in a gilded frame.’ Fabulous! Reply Kyle Fiske October 10, 2024 Thank you, Paul. Reply Paul A. Freeman October 11, 2024 Just read this poem aloud with more time to read. It really is my kind of poem. Double fabulous. Roy Eugene Peterson October 10, 2024 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. Reply Kyle Fiske October 10, 2024 Thank you, Roy. Reply Kyle Fiske October 10, 2024 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. Reply Joseph S. Salemi October 10, 2024 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. Reply Kyle Fiske October 11, 2024 You got it, Joseph. Reply Margaret Coats October 10, 2024 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. Reply Kyle Fiske October 11, 2024 Thank you, Margaret–that’s it. Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Paul Freeman October 10, 2024 ‘We dream these shining days will ever be the same: / A seascape bright and tranquil in a gilded frame.’ Fabulous! Reply
Paul A. Freeman October 11, 2024 Just read this poem aloud with more time to read. It really is my kind of poem. Double fabulous.
Roy Eugene Peterson October 10, 2024 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. Reply
Kyle Fiske October 10, 2024 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. Reply
Joseph S. Salemi October 10, 2024 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. Reply
Margaret Coats October 10, 2024 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. Reply