This Was Home
Remembering Table Rock
The strobe light, brighter than the day,
There, high above the desert floor,
Beckoned to us, as if to say,
“Come, only a few minutes more!”
*
That brilliant point of pulsing light
Sparked wonder in the passersby,
Steadfastly flashing, day and night,
Enticing them to ponder, “Why?”
*
For those of us returning home,
Its purpose and its message clear;
It beamed a promise, “Though you roam,
A hearth and home await you here.”
*
Today, the traveler sees naught
But barren plains of sage and sand.
What once was there is long forgot,
Razed clean, like stubble, from the land.
*
But to the bold and hardy ones
Who tamed the resource from the ground,
And raised bold daughters and brave sons,
The echoes from those plains resound.
*
The life we carved from those vast plains
Was rich and full and halcyon.
Our imprint on the land remains,
Although the light is long, long gone.
***
Author's Note: The plant in the photo above and the company village that housed its workers and their families only exist in memories now. While it was there, 35 miles from civilization, the beacon that flashed from the tower in the photo was a warm welcome home for us as we topped the final hill on the highway to see it there.
Written for the Vocal challenge:
About the Creator
Dana Crandell
Dad, Stepdad, Grandpa, Husband, lover of Nature and dogs.
Poet, Writer, Editor, Photographer, Artist and Tech/Internet nerd.
My first published poetry collection: Life, Love & Ludicrosity
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More stories from Dana Crandell and writers in Poets and other communities.
Center Stage with Gina C.
*** I'm keen to republish the interviews I did for my series with Vocal creators. It's been a few years and I thought it might be nice to revisit these wonderful conversations. I'll be releasing them one at a time for a few weeks/months.
By Heather Hubler4 days ago in Interview
Comments (20)
Wow Dana, a very worthy top story I must say! I adore how this felt like a stroll through your memories. I felt as if I were seeing that light with you - and the relief it brings!
I love this!! It's what I imagine sailors might have felt as they spotted a lighthouse on their home shores! Congrats on Top Story, Dana!!
Love it!!! Congratulations on Top Story!!!❤️❤️💕
Gorgeous work Dana!
Beautiful ode to her, Dana. Liberty guides, and should be cherished.
Lovely poetry!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Great storytelling in a poem
Back to say congratulations, although this had no choice but to be a top story
Wow
What a gift to receive today. Such a wonderfully rich sensory poem with a lovely soft landing at the end. Great work, BB!
Congrats on Top Story!!!
Thank you Dana for painting such a vivid word picture. This felt so nostalgic, and you know, I love nostalgic
Thank you, Vocal!
Your words pulse like that old beacon—simple, steady, unforgettable. A beautiful echo of what once was.
There's quite a romanticism to this! Not many people can take the subject of a power plant and make it so wistful. Impressively done, Dana!
This was very melancholic and nostalgic. Beautifully written!
Beautiful work, my friend. I can feel the nostalgia and a sense of sadness for what was and no longer is. Relatable for sure.
Madison used my words.... yet she is correct this is haunting, and totally feels like a memory.
Haunting and beautifully written, well done, Dana!