Like doves of peace
Sparkling in the sunshine,
Seagulls circle gracefully
Above choppy waves of crossed currents
Beyond Ragged Point on the Potomac River,
The harmony of waves and gulls,
Like a soothing song of yesterday...

Endless white caps,
Rising, foaming with creamy froth,
Toppling just before reaching the beach,
Sneaking back under cover
In the emerald depths to try again.
Snowy gulls diving for food,
Their squawking drowned out
By thunderous pounding of constant waves
Slapping against each other.
Beyond a dark gray pile
Of protective rocks offshore
The familiar six-sided lighthouse
Stands like a stately queen in ermine robe,
Its bright red roof, her crown,
The light, her fabulous crown jewel,
Faithful guardian of all passing ships,
Sending out its beam
Mysteriously at night.
Fog shrouds her silhouette,
The vibrating clang of her huge bell
Resounding its warning mournfully,
In rhythmic repetition...
Bong...bong...bong...

Majestic lighthouse and the Point we knew,
Like our childhood, no longer exist,
Except in cherished memories.