Fryslân (Friesland): Day Six

after a few good days
it was inevitable
streets deserted
in the lashing rain
except for valiant
cyclists

but the town
ticks on
down in the docks
coasters load
and off load
the ferry turns around
regardless of the sea fog

it is though
a shadow of its
former glories
fishing
whaling
timber
from the Baltics
the canal to
Leeuwarden and beyond
heavy burdened
with barges

in an old hotel
where I took shelter
grainy
black and white
sepia photos
of constant labour
streets blocked by carts
kids scallywagging
now the yachts of the rich
moor and feed
the many restaurants
converted warehouses

I was stopped
in my meanders

surely I know that tune

one of the crew was
whistling
to himself
Liverpool sea shanties
tunes from my childhood

suddenly it felt
not so cold

he saw me smile
he smiled too

recognition





Poetry by Peter Humphreys
Read 716 times
Written on 2011-06-21 at 21:02

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Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
I really enjoyed this poem, Peter. I liked the way that it swings back and forth, like a pendulum, from disorientation, caused by change, to, well, recognition of familiar things which have remained constant.
2011-06-26


Brian Oarr
A year or so ago I brought you to the Nevada desert. Today you repaid the debt and took me to Fryslan.

This was clearly an effort of love, Peter. Though simplistic in its form there is an understated power in this piece. A pleasure to read.

Brian
2011-06-24


NicholasG
I think there is a kind of brotherhood to those who work along the docks. Weather they be crew or longshoremen they seem to walk to the same drummer.
Thanks Peter.
2011-06-23



This is evocative language, rich, atmospheric. I don't know this part of the world, my image comes from an old book, Erskine Childers' "Riddle of the Sands," which takes place in the outer banks of Friesland. It'a ll very mysterious and haunting to an American Midwesterner.
2011-06-22


countryfog
Having traveled much in my time, I too have had several of those strange and almost mystical moments when you see or hear something familiar in a strange place; realize that the world can be a small place and the people not so different.
2011-06-21