The Smalls Lighthouse Tragedy

[deckardcanine]

The Smalls Lighthouse Tragedy (1801)
Has inspired a radio play
As well as two movies within the last decade.
Now here’s what historians say:

Two teammates named Thomas, one Griffith, one Howell,
Were tending a lighthouse in Wales
When Griffith expired from illness or accident
(Nobody knows the details).

Since Howell was known to have argued with Griffith,
He feared he’d be taking the blame,
And thus he declined to dispose of the body
In case it would help clear his name.

At first, he just lived with the corpse, but of course,
It’s unpleasant to keep one around.
He called on his skills as a cooper to make
A crude coffin, not yet in the ground.

He tied the thing up to the railings outside
Of a window, which worked for a while,
But then came a storm that demolished the coffin,
Exposing the body so vile.

The wind caused old Griffith to thump at the window.
His arms would then dangle and wave.
To Howell, he must have appeared to be taunting.
Just when would he get a true grave?

The weather continued to keep ships at bay.
When a nondescript flag of distress
Drew them closer, the sailors saw Griffith was waving
And thought all was well. What a mess.

Poor Howell continued to light up the lamp
For four months before help would arrive.
The stress drove him ever so mad that his face
Looked familiar to no one alive.

The governing body considered the case,
And their policy soon was revised:
From then on until automation set in,
Every lighthouse was staffed by three guys.