"A Michigan Lighthouse on a Montauk Shore” ~ Painting by Sharmagne Leland-St. John
Lighthouse on a Granite Promontory
by Paulette Demers Turco
for the crew of the Lily Jean, January 30, 2026
Winghaersheek Beach’s crescent, sandy shore,
faces the Annisquam’s wide river mouth.
The Lighthouse keeper stays alert before
and over change of tide, looks north to south.
The coded blinks guide rigs back home in storms
and penetrating fogs beyond the bay–
a daily feat the lighthouse beam performs,
linking crews with loved ones miles away.
Still fog, wild-whipping snow or drenching rain
toss crews in crashing waves of stormy seas.
Even when a dawn sky’s tinged again
with red, the Lily Jean still braves the freeze–
its seven fishermen head out for cod–
no mayday call. She sinks with all aboard.
Rest In Peace–25 miles asea
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