Out on the point in Barnegat Light, NJ

sits the lighthouse.

It is red and white;

pleasing and quaint.

An historic sentinel,

it stands tall, keeping guard.

It bears the sentimental nickname,

Old Barney.

The surrounding area is a bird sanctuary,

the jetty now restricted;

the dunes safeguarded

to protect the fragile beach.

The sound of the pounding surf

is punctuated by the shriek

of gulls, which, ever opportunistic,

strafe the local fishermen,

looking for easy pickings.

It is my favorite spot,

a serene and lovely place,

well suited for

daydreaming and woolgathering

or just gazing out

on the waters of the bay,

soothing my soul.

© Ellie Maziekien

061301