Keeping vigil

I set my alarm for 1:00 AM. High tide is at 2:07 AM. The Esopus Creek is expected to crest later tonight. When I woke to my alarm and took a look around, I was surprised to see the floodwaters within 6 inches of topping the granite plinth. Windblown waves splashed over the north side. The water in the basement inched closer to the breaker box. I’m taking a chance by not cutting the power. I called the Coast Guard station to see how they were getting along. Travis, Chris, and Chief John are keeping watch just in case. They expect the water level to remain relatively steady, flattening around the time of high tide. Travis agreed to switch the power cut-off to the lighthouse, if need be. For now, nothing to do but keep vigil–those three at the station on the mainland and me on this small, man-made island. Now and then, I shine my flashlight at the breaker box to make sure it’s still dry. I step outside the front door to observe the flood water enveloping the lighthouse plinth. Once the tide turns in the next hour, I can return to sleep. Until then, I watch over this small island in the night.