So Said The Lighthouse Keeper

"I am the very loneliest of all creatures in the universe

Indeed I am an epitaph to man

For having witnessed mass destruction like you've never dreamed and worse

I fear I shall bear witness once again."

So said the lighthouse keeper

As he struggled up the spiral stairs

Which led him to the laser flare which spanned the cosmic void

Where keeping constant vigil

He'd forewarn this gallant guard of guards

Beware all ships the space graveyard and its stones of asteroids

"For though my race was thought immune

Themselves they did consume

So be warned or be mourned tomorrow

And from your deafness do desist

And pray take heed of this

For your present course can only end in sorrow..."

So said the lighthouse keeper

As he wiped a teardrop from his nose

Upon which his spectacles rose and gazed out to the stars

And like a portrait still he stared

And sighing to himself declared

"I must invent the perfect prayer

Not yours, not mine, but ours

Which in the name of charity

Might lead us to eternal peace

The ultimate philosophy

Some simple, single phrase." The old and much encumbered man

Then came to rest with head in hand

He thought

and thought

and thought away

His last remaining day