Lighthouses

 Some people are lighthouses
Easy to spot but rare
They shine brightly
Their light is strong
They give good guidance
They hand out practical assistance
They can show people the way when they are lost
They are a shoulder to cry on
They are a buffer to vent at
They have an ear to listen
They show an empathy that’s real
They give comfort and support
They are honest and kind
They help whenever they are asked
They do not judge
They do not question
They do not point or wag their finger
They do not tut or raise their eyes upwards
They will not lie or be two faced
They will not use or abuse
They will not exact a price
They never harm, they only help
They never attack but will always defend
They never hate, they only love
They stand erect but not proud
They offer an open hand to all

Most people take them for granted
They use them
They abuse them
They take from them
They keep taking from them
They never give back
They  never show loyalty
They never show compassion
They never listen in reverse
They care not what happens to them
They take from them even when the light fading
Finally, when the light goes out
They move on
No tears are shed
No words are spoken
They simply discard them
Moving on to drain the next lighthouse they meet
No sadder sight I know
than lighthouse with no light
Burnt out, just a shadow
left alone in the dark
crumbling like a ruin