In 1586 a group of people were sent to The Clink for refusing to obey the Religious Laws. The Dissenters founded a prison church and called themselves 'Independents'. In 1593, their leaders were executed. In 1620, the rest sailed to America.


Pilgrim Fathers



I have never
seen
the Thames
so low

down
on the foreshore
at the foot
of Peter's Hill
the remnants
of old jetties
rise
black
through
the low tide mud

as the beach
is combed
for its
reluctant treasures
a cloud of fog
ancient mist
brings chill
to spines
and still sharp
memories
to the scene

as building tops
are lost to sky
and edgings close
around us
we moor upon
the Southwark wharf
sails set
but lamely
windless

where is Thy wind
where is the storm
where is the breath from Heaven
for we are set
on new worlds o'er
and nothing can detain us

our hearts are bold
our spirits high
in faith
for hope
we journey



Poetry by Peter Humphreys
Read 814 times
Written on 2009-01-16 at 17:54

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normalil
History is always fascintating, and so often tragic. I used to live and work very close to "The Clink" prison, in fact a friend of mine once worked there as a tour guide. I loved your poem for many reasons.
2009-01-17


Rob Graber
Amazing, sensitive, and eloquent job at putting one back into a moment in history. The least eight lines reverberate with a grandeur reminiscent of Tennyson's aged Ulysses' stirring return to the sea...

"Some works of noble note may yet be done
Not unbecoming men who strove with gods."

... Such as this poem!
2009-01-16



Interesting background for this poem. I like how this was inspired by the background as it gives more depth into the poem. Like I hear different things in it now. Whereas if there was no background it may not of given me the same meaning. I like this very much and thanks for sharing.
2009-01-16