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Poetry Friday -A Walk through A Seaside Village


Contemplating actual travel remains a distant consideration at present, so virtual travel, it is for me...

I started browsing some old travel photographs -and my mind went racing-back! And because time is not of the essence right now, I rummaged with much delight, reliving those far off realms of my travel experiences.

So, this poem owes it origins to travel memories and is loosely an ekphrastic poem, because it is a conglomeration of various seaside related images, not a single image. 

I do love to wander through new and exotic locales. Armed with my camera, my writer's notebook and a keen eye, it is easy to spend a few hours exploring. It is good to wander at different times across the day too. It broadens the view, the perspective.

I invite you to wander through your personal catalogue of travel snaps and mine for treasure...
Where have you wandered?
What do you recall?

A Walk through A Seaside Village

Breakfast failed to fire
The start of a brand new day
Cindered toast,
Hard-boiled egg,
To set me on my way.
Wandered down the main street,
The shops were mostly shuttered
Birds on rooftops
Sat in silent lines
A single pigeon fluttered.
Passed a man
With a bristled broom,
His doorway keenly clearing.
I offered him my morning smile,
But he was not for cheering.
Circled round a tree-lined park
As a couple did Tai Chi,
A lean and hungry mutt took time
To bark and snarl at me.
I wandered by the seawall
I felt the ocean spray
The angry, wild waves
Crashed and smashed
As the seagulls turned away.
I heard a mermaid singing
Out beyond the rocks.
The morning mist was lifting,
As I ambled past the docks
I returned to where I started
Recalling paths I’d crossed.
A cup of coffee beckoned,
I listened to its call
And in spite of my vast wandering
I wasn’t lost at all.

 Alan j Wright








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Comments

  1. Liz Steinglass2 May 2020 at 01:45

    I love those quiet walks in unfamiliar places before they've quite woken. You've reminded me of a walk I took like that in Kyoto. The houses were shuttered and private but had so many lovely details hidden here and there that I could see.

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    1. Alan j Wright2 May 2020 at 10:53

      I'm glad when one of my poems evokes memories for the reader Liz. I tried responding to your post three times but it wouldn't upload for some reason. Loved your video and your soccer themed anthology with 13 different poetry forms. Great contribution to the cause.

      Delete
  2. Linda B2 May 2020 at 04:16

    My family & I have traveled to a beach every year for quite a while, but I go a week early & try to find different places to wander, just as you suggest, Alan. I love your poem's rhythm, feel it could be a song. And of course, I adored seeing all the photos. Happy May, and best wishes finding places to wander, even close to home!

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    Replies
    1. Alan j Wright2 May 2020 at 15:08

      Linda, I like your contemplative early arrival at your beach locale. Quiet exploration. Glad you liked the poem and the accompanying photographs. May wishes and hopes back to you Linda. May you continue to wander and discover much that brings you delight.

      Delete
  3. laurasalas2 May 2020 at 05:28

    Such lovely details in here, Alan!

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    1. Alan j Wright2 May 2020 at 10:57

      Thank you Laura. The imagery is a critical component. Glad you appreciated that aspect of the poem.

      Delete
  4. Sally Murphy2 May 2020 at 13:35

    A beautiful tribute to your various walks. I love that last line - lost in memories you might be, but not lost at all.

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    1. Alan j Wright2 May 2020 at 15:10

      Thanks Sally. I too love that closing line. I recall being taught that in writing a poem one must endeavour to begin and end strongly.

      Delete
  5. Mary Lee2 May 2020 at 20:16

    I enjoyed the photos as much as the poem! I'm hopeful for a time when we can actually travel again, but until then, I'll take your advice and get out the photo albums (maybe make a couple with digital photos) and see what poems I can find there!

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    1. Alan j Wright3 May 2020 at 12:40

      The photos also provide me with much in the way of gratitude and rich memories Mary Lee. The hunger for travel adventures and new discoveries and stories remains strong. Hope your rummaging reveals treasure...

      Delete
  6. Molly Hogan2 May 2020 at 21:22

    Oh, those glorious photos! Thanks for the reminder that there are many places that still exist outside our homes/neighborhoods. I explore in my neck of the woods, but it's been a while since I traveled further abroad. I'm so glad your camera accompanied you on your morning wanderings. You've reminded me of an early morning visit to a bird market in Paris...I think I wrote a poem about it at the time. Guess it's time to go looking for it! Thanks for a great post!

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    1. Alan j Wright3 May 2020 at 12:46

      When this all this happened I search my immediate surrounds for inspiration- the garden the kitchen and now the various contents of my study. In every location I have unearthed treasure. In our wider travel a multitude of stories attached themselves to us. It is such a wonderful thing to re-established links with those times and places. I have no doubt you will continue to explore possibility Molly. Enjoy the wanderings that are to come.

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  7. Karen Eastlund3 May 2020 at 00:20

    I like to revisit my photos and look for poems in them also. Love this!!! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Alan j Wright3 May 2020 at 12:48

      Karen, in your comment you have given further credence to the belief that ideas exist in things.

      Delete
  8. Kay6 May 2020 at 10:47

    Thanks for inviting us along on your journeys by the seaside in your poem and photos.

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    1. Alan j Wright8 May 2020 at 14:53

      Glad you enjoyed the stroll Kay. happy to be your guide on this little journey.

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