The lighthouse:

As a lighthouse; you shine a beacon to others,

Guiding them through their darkest hours.

Making sure they follow the light;

A path sharp as a sword, glowing so bright.

Battling their struggles to move forward.

When all is said and done

You are forgotten and left to rust Ignored…untended…unkept.

Until their needs become urgent again,

That’s when they come knocking on your door,

They expect you to shine a path of gold as before,

“DON’T THEY SEE?!” You yell, ” What was it all for?!”

Your light is muted with all the shadows you have borne.

If you expect others to take the responsibility of maintaining your glow,

Your light will grow dimmer, until there is no light…no more.