Salt in my joints from thirty years
Of sweeping light through winter gales
Now retired to this pier
Where roller coaster rust prevails
My beam cuts paths the summer knew
Now autumn boots step one two three
The painted horses wait for June
I count the dark between the sea
Ferris wheel stands frozen white
Against the dusk bruised purple sky
My flashlight draws a thin white line
Where midnight couples used to fly
My beam cuts paths the summer knew
Now autumn boots step one two three
The painted horses wait for June
I count the dark between the sea
Footfalls crunch on dried maple leaves
Three kids sneaking past the gate
I click my counter one two three
Watch them tempt a rusted fate
Once I guided ships from stone
Now I guard the ghost of joy
The light still sweeps but walks alone
Counting steps no storm can destroy
Park guard asks why I stay so late
I tell him light keeps shadows honest
He laughs and locks the heavy grate
I count his boots distinct deliberate
My beam cuts paths the summer knew
Now autumn boots step one two three
The painted horses wait for June
I count the dark between the sea
Dawn paints the coaster tracks in gold
My shift ends with the rising sun
Fifty seven souls crossed I'm told
Tomorrow night I'll count again
My beam cuts paths the summer knew
Now autumn boots step one two three
The painted horses wait for June
I count the dark between the sea
One two three the dark agrees
Light keeps walking counting feet
