Lighthouse Poem by Butch Decatoria

Mother
Father
Someone in one's immediate
Someone overly concerned
Who cares enough
To wait awake
Until day light dawns
Or fatal news breaks
Brother
Sister
Grams
Even uncle auntie
Cousin not far
Removed

The folk who know you
Knew you when you were
Still in diapers
Took pictures
When you were cute
They will wait
Until you come home
Keeping vigil by
The landline phone
This is how it goes
Every time your youth will
Stumble
Every mistake and failed
Attempt
When suicide inside
Incites your storms

Even when your nature
Pounds the shore
The strength and last straws
Self contradicting,
Breaking promises
These few
Whom broke bread
With you

You,
Who are lost
In the world
Life's the perfect storm
Far from home
Most often drown
Without

They are the ones
Who will
Who will?
Keep the candle lit
Even if black is most
Difficult
To quit...

And if or when
You decide to return home
Finally knowing
Who
And how to let go

The riptides undertow
The vast ocean of tears cried
Remember this love
Is a light house
Breathe in such
submergence
Let its light
Lead you home.
There where the heart is

Without your wars
A hearth
Of family
Waiting for you,
There upon such shores

Unconditionally
Yours
True love
Evermore.