Classic Poem

Near on Salem's rocky shore
Stands the Baker's Island Light,
Sending o'er the white sea's roar
Rays that light the darkest night.

Home-bound vessels on their way,
'Scaped the dangers of the deep,
Hail with joy its far-seen ray
As to land their course they keep.

On to midnight's hour it shines,
On from midnight's hour till morn;
Till the east with golden lines
Marks the day's bright offspring born.

Pale its light before the dawn
Tells a brighter beacon near,
And the sailor's eyes withdrawn
To their port in safety steer.