The eye

Its Fifth Order Fresnel lens projecting a characteristic red glow into the deepening twilight, the pier light at South Haven, Michigan continues a vigil that began in the year 1872. The pier and lights underwent several iterations in the years since, eventually culminating in the present configuration of two 1500-foot-plus piers at the mouth of the Black River with a 35-foot red conical tower at the end of the south pier.

I had just taken the photo of the fishermen standing under the catwalk when I decided to move closer to the tower at the terminus of the pier. The light appeared as a giant Cyclops – a glowing red eye set against in the fast-darkening sky. I experienced a strange sensation of being in proximity of something that appeared at once evil and benevolent.

Rather than blind the behemoth, this Odysseus chose to capture the eye in a small light-tight container and bring it home.

New on my blogroll: I discovered Cynthia Graham's photoblog, Lightheaded, while surfing through VFXY (where Points of Light is also listed). Cynthia serves up some stunning portraits and offers keen insights into the human condition. Check it out.

Click on picture to enlarge. Photograph © 2007 James Jordan.