How Many.
How many dawns shall a gull's wings
carry night's shiver enough
miles to lift and dip beak's gaping hunger
at sea aiding eyes to catch something
which eaten keeps feathered hearts warm.
How many dusks will a new wife's lips
hopefully open on same
ocean as similar need fills with ache
a heart missing harbour-safe kisses
as his overdue boat battles fierce storm.
How many tides could it take to renew
resolute faith as starved eyes
search time and again empty horizons,
re-scanning each mile for love's food
sailing in late with her sailor on board.
How many hours can be spent praying
for courage to shake away dread
and feed on the times when fishermen,
heavy with haul set homeward again
knowing a woman waits bravely in port.
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Author:
Fay Slimm. (
Offline) - Published: April 30th, 2020 02:07
- Comment from author about the poem: Back by request this ballad of watching and waiting.............. hope you enjoy.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 30
- Users favorite of this poem: Michael Edwards, myself and me.
Offline)
Comments6
How many fine writes Fay - lots!
Many thanks Orchi.
How many dusks indeed.... i knew i would creep into your verse one day.
A fine tribute to those wives and lovers who have become accustomed to suduing their fretful thoughts when storms plague the ocean and worry tears the soul.
Many thanks for this beautifully worded comment D.A. which reads like a poem in itself -- yes there are those who go down to the sea in boats and those who wait - - and wait - - praise for them all.
Yes a favourite of mine also - into favs.
Wow - - this is an honour and really appreciate it Michael.......Living alongside the fishing villages I know quite a few of these brave folk and tried to put myself in the shoes of those who watch and wait..........
I am simply taken away by it.
My humble thank you for reading and commenting on How Many - - these fishing communities know the power of winds and oceans so praise goes to those who bring fish to market and to those too who are left on shore and waiting for boats to come safely home.
HI FAY BRIAN HERE ~ We have the same expectation in the North East (as in the SOUTH WEST) *Waitin' fer tha BOUT tae cum in* A Friend of Mine ~ from the S E Coast (Lowestoft) Seamans Mission gives a talk *The Price of Fish an' Chips* for WI's etc. It is only when one lives on the Coast that one appreciates the real cost of a *Nice bit o' Haddock* for supper. The price is paid by the Fishermen ~ Their Families & Communities, WE support the Seamans Missiion form our Church & Every Year we get a chance to do Two Two hour sessions singing carols INSID£ Sainsburys and raise about £400 each night for the Mission, After ONE HOUR Sainsburys serve us with hot Mince Pies & Coffee. Some of our Memebers wrk in the Store. Angela & I never grumble about the Price of Fish. We have it at least twice a week in our Diet ~ Yummy ! Please check our POEM *Things We Believe in*
Blessings & Peace & Joy
Love Brian & Angela 🧡🤍💙
Fly the FLAG for Colonel Tom !
Yes the cost of putting fish on our tables is met not only by fishermen but by their women who have to watch and wait on shore.......... thanks for the visit and comment dear duo.
Beautiful write Fay, may those ladies always see the safe return of their fishermen.
Andy
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