Unrivaled.
On sun-honeyed cottage walls another day
knocks and ousts from bed every duty-clad
mother to wake snoring offspring and move
bread-winning others.
As whinny of sea-breeze shakes bud-drop
on nearby trees gallop of bed-sheets leave
sweating bodies, crumple floor-wards and
stretching offspring wriggle while yawning
at quitting warm covers.
Kitchened in throb of breakfast-sizzle old
dog squints at dawn and whimpers when
called from white-aproned bustle to leave
inside and chatter of hob-blackened kettle
as brown tea rouses its cobbled-clog rush
to scoop buttered bread for deep pockets
needing crust later.
Day offers no wind as man-feet splash mud
in pooling gait along early streets, stopping
to rub bleary eyes and tighten a coat string
before reaching tar-skewered beached craft
close-keened for action its swab-clean deck
in bobbing-boat wait.
Olden-day clippered sails, ocean harboured
held filled holds of battened-down business
for woman-fed boatmen, ready-sluiced and
home-muffled handled hauled cargoes best
in unruffled water.
Decades ago all hard pressed mothers held
home-ropes together and giving no heed to
fine-weather seekers they set zealous flame
under all lazy dalliance whether on husband
father, son or daughter.
Praise be for unrivaled female dedication to
successful survival of the closely knit family
whether working on moorings or out at sea.
-
Author:
Fay Slimm. (
Offline) - Published: May 3rd, 2021 03:05
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 55
- User favorite of this poem: L. B. Mek.
Offline)
Comments5
Good write Fay.
Thank you Orchi.
Thanks Fay. All I know is some ripples on the duck pond in the park if it gets a bit windy - not living near the sea!
A great evocation of a distant time, a romantic time from here, although I doubt it would have been romantic for the participants there.
Really felt it though - thanks Fay.
Glad you enjoyed my version of the fight mothers had for family security - thanks Dave so much for your visit and comment on Unrivaled.
It has been forever thus, Fay, and while mother's may have been your main theme, as a male I perhaps, maybe, took it more for granted within your overall picture of that time and place than I should. (Wake up to yourself, man!)
... this just happens to be quite simply ... the great Lady Fay at her most bestest ...
You are most kind Sire to my little tribute - - but I thank thee sincerely - - - so pleased you enjoyed
the read ....................x
What wonderful words Fay, I was there with this very hardworking lady due to your words.
Andy
'Praise be for unrivaled female dedication to
successful survival of the closely knit family'..
Amen!
I read your words a few times to get a good grasp
of the subtle brilliance you've utilised, to create
such a tangibly immersive dedication, dear Fay
and I agree with mr wise Neville's comment
one of your best, for me too
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