Up at four on a grey morning
To the water with the boat
And dad at the wheel
We glide the boat
Like a sleepwalking child
Into the still waters of Westport
Well beyond the harbor
We drop our lines
And open the Thermos
To coffee sweet with milk and sugar
Rain falls
The rings that emanate from each drop
Spread into the mystery of sunrise
Burning quietly through silence
And the coffee is good.
Drink your coffee. Before it's cold.
Two flat fish take the bait
One after the other on my line.
Rain extinguishes the light.
Dad at the wheel
Takes us home.
Bury them in the garden, he says.
For the tomatoes.
I know. We don't believe in waste.
Dad leaves for work.
35 Comments
vivid experience, interesting how little things stay with us...reminds us of earlier times and relationships
ReplyDeleteA cherished memory brought alive through words. You are very talented, my friend.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. It rekindled some of my memories of days gone by.
Hugsss, Susan
The memory and the dream
ReplyDeletehave the same light
but the first retains
while the second leave
and if we are going
we are no longer alone.
such a nice memory...
ReplyDeletegood memories are food for soul..
Different memories all bunched together.
ReplyDeleteThese early ones stay with is for ever.
Very expressive.
That was a beautiful memory.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely memory. I can see those droplets of rain on the water, feel the warmth of the coffee as it glides down the throat to an empty cold tummy spreading it warmth yet not as warm as this memory of time with Dad and of course the excitement of the tug on the line.
ReplyDeleteBeutiful! Fragile, but persistent.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautifully vivid memory brought to life by you. I have wonderful memories of fishing with my grandpa, and this made me remember them. Lovely post!
ReplyDeleteNostalgic memory, isn't it??
ReplyDeleteBeautiful impression, Sandy!
I simply loved the innocence in truth and flow of life...:)
Keep writing more..:)
lovely memories, lovely images. Your poem reminds me of my favorite book from childhood "Time of Wonder" written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey (perhaps more famous for "Make Way for Ducklings").
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI can almost smell the salt air of Long Island Sound.
ReplyDeleteYour writing is so vivid-I felt I could hear the pitter patter of the rain.
ReplyDeleteLovely memories. Enjoyed this one
ReplyDeleteTalk about a word picture. Wonderful.
ReplyDelete.. poignant ,simple & beautiful ..
ReplyDeleteLovely poem! As if I was there in the boat and drank the coffee! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteTanks for sharing this fishing memory of time spent with your daddy.
ReplyDeleteI mostly fished along the banks of a creek with my daddy and we mostly caught catfish or brim ...a few perch.
This is a wonderfully told tale. Your words took me there.
ReplyDeleteSpirithelpers
I remember fishing with my father, but we always threw them back - those rare times I actually caught something.
ReplyDeleteSandy digging in the sand. Do you still do that?
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful memories related in a wonderful poem, you and your dad. Mrs. Jim has memories like that with her granny. They fished the Calcasieu River in Louisiana.
..
Honest fishing out in that Boston Whaler in open water. You have a gift for imagery... but I've told you that before I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteI took a swing at this one myself. Have a look if you like.
What fascinating images in the words of this sweet poem!
ReplyDeleteThe repetition of "the boat" in the first stanza really creates the sense of its rocking on the waves. I truly went along on the trip and enjoyed everthing about this.
ReplyDeleteI used to go for walks in snowy woods with my dad - to get the Christmas tree. We had a thermos too, filled with sweet hot tea.
Kat
Such a wonderful memory! It stirs a few of my own and I wonder...
ReplyDeleteSuch memories stay forever!
ReplyDeleteravens chase out thoughts from the mind
An original use for the fish!
ReplyDeletebeautifully written and shared memory, Sandy. I especially loved the stanza
ReplyDelete"Rain falls
The rings that emanate from each drop
Spread into the mystery of sunrise
Burning quietly through silence"
It was almost like being there...
WONDERFUL!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great memory with your dad. I remember a few blury eyed mornings heading out with my dad too, when I was young. I really enjoyed reading. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteoh, what a delightful remembrance of a day on the ocean....
ReplyDeleteRain falls
ReplyDeleteThe rings that emanate from each drop
Spread into the mystery of sunrise
Burning quietly through silence
what a tender remembrance. i can smell the coffee.
very good fertilizer, both literally and metaphorically.
ReplyDeleteThe images and the experiences with your dad are so wonderful. I felt the rocking of the boat. Beautiful images.
ReplyDeleteMy link: http://deowriter.wordpress.com/2009/08/15/one-single-impression-ocean/
differnt to how I am logged in.
Thanks for being here.