La Jument, off the coast of Brittany,
photograph by Jean Guichard
Stiff-necked, and proud,
the indomitable tower rises from the sea,
defying gravity and all the powers of nature.
Man, who made earth herself his subject,
whose confidence and self-belief
allow him to stand idly by
while all the world around him is at war,
is no more than a step away
from utter devastation.
Reaching into the depths,
the Gods fling up a handful of their ire
and place it like a ruff around man’s throat.
destroying effortlessly all that he has built.
The photo above is taken just seconds before a giant wave engulfed the lighthouse La Jument in Brittany. Theodore Malgorn, the lighthouse keeper, was waiting to be rescued. When he heard what he thought was the rescue helicopter, he rushed downstairs and stepped outside the door. It was a photographer come to take pictures of the storm. Malgorn made it back inside only by virtue of a very quick reaction.
This post is in response to Tess Kincaid’s Magpie Challenge No. 202. To find other contributors click on the link.
Wow. The photo grabbed me and I paused before reading your text. That photo is marvelous and awful. You words are also strong enough to ride along with this energy.
ReplyDeleteWhat was more amazing - the photo or your poem? Hard to say. Love the "ruff around a man's throat"!
ReplyDeleteWell done, Friko.
There must be easier ways to make a living. I don't think I would sleep too well in that lighthouse.
ReplyDeleteStunning. Words and image both. Thank you.
ReplyDeletewow. um, a little scary...hoping god does not grow tired of our complacency but...sheesh....
ReplyDeleteIt's not a life for everyone!
ReplyDeleteOne man and the indomitable power of nature.
ReplyDeleteThat's a huge and beautiful wave! I was glad to read that Malgorn made it back inside.
ReplyDeleteScary, but scary in a great way.
ReplyDeletei like the last lines.. how powerful is nature.
ReplyDeleteWonderful picture. I have a postcard of it somewhere. I didn't know the story behind it though.
ReplyDeleteHallo Friko,
ReplyDeletedas Foto ist beeindruckend, welche Gewalt die Wellen haben können. Die einzelne Person, die am Eingang des Leuchtturms steht, läßt mich erschaudern. Hauptsache, die Rettungsaktion war erfolgreich.
Gruß Dieter
dit is toch wel een hele mooie foto van de natuurkrachten.
ReplyDeleteGeeez... And a lovely good morning to you too! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh what a breathtaking picture and also an amazing poem. Was he ultimately rescued?
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible picture! I am mesmerized by it. It reminded me of a picture of the Asian tsunami years ago, taken of people outside with umbrellas watching the wave just before they were engulfed. Hopefully the lighthouse keeper was rescued.
ReplyDeleteWhat perfect synergy -- the dramatic photo, your powerful words that captured so perfectly the violent eruptions of nature and then the harrowing story behind it all. Splendid.
ReplyDeletewow. great picture.
ReplyDeleteFriko, you have resurrected my favorite photo of all time. I had seen it years ago and made myself a copy to keep. It still amazes me. It captures how insignificant we can be in the face of God/Nature/All Life... yet we stand there in the mist of it. Is it Pride or a sense of immortality?
ReplyDeleteWell done! An inspired verse from an amazing photo.
ReplyDeleteOh.. Well penned, Friko and the whole builds up nicely for that final stanza! and thank you for the tidbit at the end! Wow - sends chills through me.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful
ReplyDeletemaking many thoughts arise
in this simple mind...
Fantastic photo, but not a good place to be when that huge wave struck
ReplyDeleteThat's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
The waves do look like a ruff ...beautiful comparison...
ReplyDeleteI've seen the photo before but never heard the story you told. Your poem is an apt accompaniment. What has always struck me about the photo is the lighthouse keeper's apparent nonchalance in the face of the rushing waters. Now I know it was just ignorance!
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing photo. I'm glad he made it back inside in time. The poem is also amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible photo. Amazed that he was not washed away!
ReplyDeleteI saw this photo in a calendar of lighthouses, one for each month, but the water looks different, more green than I remember. Truly an awesome picture, and scary too. Dianne
ReplyDeleteI've seen that picture, or one just like t. It's amazing, isn't it?!? (I like the short poem too.)
ReplyDeleteFriko, I don't usually use this word, but that was truly ... awesome. xo
ReplyDeleteDear Friko, the photograph reminded me of the blog I read today by Perpetua. She shared with us a number of photographs that showed the storm surge and the waves in an Welsh village of Aberystwyth. Your poem speaks volumes about our hubris.
ReplyDeleteI've been away from blogging for several weeks and so I've missed all you posted during that time. Please let me know if there are any of your postings you'd especially like me to read. Peace.
What an image and what a lucky escape! We mess with the elements at our peril.
ReplyDeleteGreat poem to go with this powerful image. Well done.
ReplyDeleteWow! That ruff reference is simply stunning. I'm actually in awe at this, Friko.
ReplyDeleteI scrolled down and stopped here to write my response. This stunning shot of a fragile human being, proudly standing man-made structure, and raging nature set fire on my imagination. Your poetry is a reminder to man’s pride and arrogance. My belated greeting - wish you, Friko, a healthy, peaceful and pleasant 2014.
ReplyDeleteYoko
Hi Friko - that is one big wave .. and amazing he made it back inside ... lucky chap. Incredible photography .. no wonder Guichard is considered so highly for his photographic work ...
ReplyDeleteStunning shot .. and I'm amazed at how well the lighthouses survive the storms ... cheers Hilary