 |
| The newly renovated Jones Point Lighthouse |
 |
| The skyline of Alexandria and the beginning of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (lighthouse far right) |
 |
| Woodrow Wilson bridge at dusk. |
Between a cleavage of trees,
a shrinking violet nestles discreetly,
as a bevy of beauties parade
along nearby shore
where, like an over-eager lover,
the setting Sun lingers,
enjoys Alexandria's charm,
elegance, and grandeur.
Risking her displeasure,
Sun sneaks a glance
toward a sparkling necklace
seductively winking,
missing altogether
the simple lines
and diminutive stature
of the wallflower below.
Faithfully,
the Mighty Potomac
dips and sways before
his old, faithful maiden,
grateful for her dimmed
but forever watchful eyes
upon him once again.
An instant's mesmerization
does not a faithful heart make,
and like a lover, jilted
once too often by pomp
and circumstance,
glories that his first love
is smiling upon him
once again.
by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, July 10, 2012
My daughter and I took a riverboat cruise down the Potomac River while visiting Washington D.C. I asked the crew what the tiny white building was and they said with all the numerous trips this way had never even noticed it tucked away in the trees. I used my iPhone and placed it on the Google maps and was fascinated with it. Jones Point Lighthouse was my search result and it was originally built in 1855, discontinued in 1926 and finally, relit and preserved in 1995.
I hope to go back someday to D.C. as three days is not enough time to see all there is in this lovely city. The shrinking violet, Jones Point Lighthouse, and the grand dame, Alexandria, are on my "To See" list.
This is linked with dVerse - Open Link Night #52 . It is THE place to be for poets on Tuesday evenings!
19 comments:
Lovely way of looking at a scene that I adore. Alexandria is one of my most favourite places in the US. I have cycled past there many a time, but never took a boat trip.
Nice to turn the landmarks into characters.
nice...there's a bit of magic sprinkled across this scene.. sounds like a lovely place to be..rivers always cast some kind of spell on me..don't know how they do it...smiles
ok it is a given tht your pictures will just be amazing...smiles...your use of language though really builds your poem....the cleavage of trees, very cool...the sun lingering like a lover...those touches really help build this...really a lovely capture margaret
I always take notice of things like that. You have put me there and now I want to know more, love that opening line!
Very vivid write. Glad they restored the little lighthouse. I hope you do get to go back there again. Great pictures, your prose is lovely.
As always, exceptional, gorgeous photography, and in the poem, a vivid capture of the visuals of that downriver trip--thanks for the mini=-vacation, Margaret. I will likely never get that far east again, so enjoyed seeing it/feeling it here.
I have a fascination for lighthouses, especially ones that, like the Jones Point one, nestle right into the coastline such that no-one seems to notice till you point them out... a beautiful poem & pics
The pictures are beautiful, as is the poem...I much enjoyed the gentle sweep of your words. :)
I like the painting of faithful love, the lighthouse ~
Stunning pictures, dear ~
Your pictures are so beautiful that there isn't any wonder where your inspiration comes form. lovely poem
love the pics, love the poem--especially the analogy to the jilted lover who still beams to be noticed again. Surely when you visit again you will see the lighthouse gleam and smile.
beautiful imagery through and through!
Hi Margaret - I grew up very near Alexandria so really enjoyed seeing your pics. Liked the poem too. K.
What a dear little light house tucked away like a memento of a previous era beside all the modern structures. I'm not surprised that your fine eyes picked it out among the trees.
I love to hear your poetry read, and to travel to so many interesting places vicariously with you. Thank you, Margaret.
Great images and a wonderfully descriptive and evocative poem.
Beautiful how you have pieced this place into a form. Warm and charming, through an artful eye.
You placed me there, thank you
Thank you, everyone of you! Your comments here are appreciated. I encourage anyone within a days drive of D.C. to experience this lovely place - Most of the museums are free (and air conditioned) and many places nearby to browse through and investigate... like this little lighthouse :)
It's amazing the riverboat crew had no idea the lighthouse was even there. I bet they do now and are prepared to give a proper answer to whomever next asks! Good for you.
Post a Comment