This poem was written in Kilmore Quay (Wexford) and was partly inspired by the sea shanty of the same name. The chorus and first two lines of each stanza can be sung if you fancy it!


low lowlands low

low lowlands low

across the marsh
and through the mist
the lonely castle stood
on rocky knoll
where time forgot
and phantasms creep
amidst the trees
the damp dull darkness of the past
creeps through
unburied bones

low lowlands low

across the bay
where seagulls play
and valiant men have drown’ed
at night
‘neath moon
and starry plough
I wonder will
you break the vow
that binds us
through the marrow

low lowlands low

along the quay
‘tis you and me
midst lobster pots
and netting
dead creatures ‘neath our feet
do stare as open
in the freezing air
our bodies pressed
against the wall
our breath does mellow mingle

low lowlands low

where is the moon
this heathen night
where are the bats
from castle flight
where is the heart
that frost can’t bite
down here
out there
low
on lowlands low




Poetry by Peter Humphreys
Read 755 times
Written on 2008-10-10 at 16:44

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Elle The PoetBay support member heart!
I always love your poetry Peter, and being a girl who loves the sea, this appeals so much to me, plus very happy memories of Ireland

Elle x
2008-10-10