new years

the fog
when it came
did not creep
nor roll
down the mountain
it emerged
as if up
from the bog
out from the bushes
sheltering our home
down through the branches
of the elders and yews
silencing the wren
the blackbirds
and even the old crows
who sat on the roof top
like shameless priests
as the rook walked
up and down the meadow
short beside our house
like a vicar searching
for a flock to preach to
and the sheep
down in the nether field
silently gathered
as the cows moaned
and sat down
midst thistle and thorn
to glean the grass
'fore milking time
yes
emerge it did
and I wondered
just wondered
about the souls at sea
down by the foreshore
checking pots and nets
unaware of dangers
landward
not seaward
the light house
moaned its warning
the silence otherwise
was deathly
but me and mine
were at least
sure safe
as I sat by the fire
sparking with new turf
and said a prayer
just to myself
for the new years
to come and
the old year near gone
I lit my pipe
and hummed





Poetry by Peter Humphreys
Read 1256 times
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Written on 2009-12-28 at 17:46

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ZARIFE DEMIR
Thenk you for the poem!
your write!
my friend!
2010-03-02



Hi Peter, this is like sitting on Santa's lap and him telling you that you are going to get what you want without having to ask; a great, warm atmosphere. But the nip in the air: the shameless priests - at least they are outside in the cold. They get their flocks flocking to them whereas the poor old vicar has to search for his. I love the smoke smell of this poem; a smile from Grandad and a whiff of his tobacco as he tucks into Stilton on Boxing-Day afternoon (you always need to smoke a pipe when eating Stilton). Mark.
2010-01-13


Editorial Team The PoetBay support member heart!
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2010-01-02


Rob Graber
Wonderful write. I like especially that shameless-clergyman crow; the rook in search of a flock; and the contentment of the perfect pipe-smoker's ending.
2009-12-31


Stan Cooper The PoetBay support member heart!
Peter...this is from an old crow sitting on the rooftop

loved this poem...and happy new year to you

Stan
2009-12-30


shells
This seemed to become more real the more I read, a beautiful piece, I was there in spirit. I did wonder though how the lighthouse moaned its warning, I assume it also has a fog horn, it's just that I lived near a foghorn for 21yrs that wasn't part of a lighthouse, so it seemed odd to me personally. Anyway it really doesn't matter as it is a stunning poem, loved it.
2009-12-28


NicholasG
Happy New Year Peter. I can smell the tobacco :-)
Thanks once more, Nick
2009-12-28


melanie sue
oops! "home" Was supposed to be "hope"
2009-12-28


melanie sue
Happy New Year a little early, Peter! Thank you for sharing this wonderful slice of your life as you prepare for a new and wonderous year and reflect back on the passing one. Your words are such a pleasure to read. :)ps-home you don't mind reading this comment again, since I have already commented at the other site. I love your work especially! Always a pleasure to read. :)
2009-12-28


Elle The PoetBay support member heart!
Happy New Year to you Peter, thank you for this absolutely stunning art of poetry, I never cease to marvel how you can give so many images within your poetry, as always a pleasure to read you.

Wishing you and yours all the best for the coming New Year

Elle x
2009-12-28