The Following poem was written by a Nova Scotian fisherman ~poet! The poem is about my "Grandad", who was "keeper" of the Cape Capstan lighthouse for many years, and is a tribute to ALL lighthouse keepers. I hope you all will enjoy this poem as much as my family has! A
~ Silk ~
McNally's at the Horn
A tribute to all lightkeepers.
Those gone; those now and yet to be.
You always will be remembered by
The toilers of the sea.
He used to be the Keeper
AT Cape Capstan fog alarm.
His duty it seemed was to keep
All men and boats from Harm.
When the fog came rolling in,
Making the world so grey and forlorn,
What a comfort it was to know
McNally's at the horn.
He kept a watch on every boat.
He knew each one by sound.
He understood the men and their ways
ANd he knew where they were bound.
He knew what time they should be back
And if any boat was late
You could see him watching all around
As for that boat he would wait.
I have often seen him watching,
When the daylight was growing dim,
It seemed he just couldn't rest
Until every boat was in.
You always knew that Mike would be,
And what a blessing it was to know,
Watching until you tied to the moor'n,
McNally's at the horn.
If we were fishing down the bay
Until after daylight,
It was a relief to round Squally
And see the Cape Capstan light.
Many times I have seen him,
When the evening air got damp.
He'd very carefully clean and light
The old Alladin lamp.
It was our guide to bring us in,
In fair weather or in a storm.
It was a Godsend just to know
McNally's at the horn.
When we went ashore to visit
He would be happy as he could be.
You could hear him call Rona
Put down a cup of tea.
Mike has retired now,
And the fishermen wish him the best.
May you have health and happiness
And lots of time to rest.
I hope you enjoy yourself,
But just as sure as I was born,
I'll always remember you as
McNally's at the horn.
Paul Robert Spicer
c. PR Spicer, all rights reserved
The midi playing is "Come Sail Away" by STYX