The Old Man and The Sea

A scene with a borrowed title!

Leaning on his horn topped cane

the views across the bay are

simply breathtaking.

 

The sea is gray and wild

as the wind whips the waves

into a frenzy of white horses.

 

Beyond, the mist drifts

in a gloomy curtain

across the far horizon.

 

The blustery air coils

and twists his hair

across his rain swept face.

 

but his gaze remains

resolute and firmly

set upon the briny murk.

 

Angry rollers dash

the slate sharp rocks

smoothing and polishing

 

and grinding down

their roughness

into a treacherous sheen.

 

A black Labrador bounds

across the sand, returning

a rubber ball to his feet.

 

He stoops, picks it up

and extending his arm,

throwing it as far as he can,

 

returning to his solitude,

as soft thoughts

and regret take hold.

 

Time has washed

the colour from his hair,

wrinkled his skin,

 

left him with arthritic pains

when he bends

to tie his shoes.

 

But his memories remain,

intact and clear

and his love still burns

 

as he recalls

so many shared nights

and days of bliss.

 

a single tear falls

from his eyes as he

holds his hip flask to his lips.

 

23/09/20

Author's Note

Reviews

[Leslie Philibert]

A fine poem, and let me simply say, I hope you are healthy, have the best Christmas possible, my best wishes...

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many, many thank yous Leslie and I too wish you a calm and peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and good wishes for 2021.

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful, honest and sad words shared John.
"returning to his solitude,
as soft thoughts
and regret take hold."
The lines above. I believe if we led with concern, kindness and love. We will know some sort of peace. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes you are very wise Coyote John concern and kindness. Many thanks.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome John. Finally semi-retired. I can write more, read more.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Congratulations and enjoy the freedom dear poet.

[barleygirl]

This is one of the most fulsome poems I've read of yours becuz you pack it with dynamic action & vivid imagery surrounding the sea, as well as conveying the sensations of being an old man puttering along as if this scene itself is his friend & inspiration. Your writing resembles the turbulent waves & I love this: "frenzy of white horses"! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[John Alexander McFadyen]

thank you so much Margie, I had a clear inage of the scene in my head.

[Kari Rakitan]

This poem feels very intimate, like we are really looking through the old man's eyes. Very beautiful

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much Kari that makes it seem worthwhile.

[Chris Shaw]

Heartfelt. Great imagery and I loved the poetic expression in this piece. I would imagine there are many who can relate to this poem. Women as well as men. I particularly liked the format and the stanza length. Made for easier reading.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Chris, Not sure where this came from but I just saw a picture of an old man standing staring out to sea,

[Chris Shaw]

Pictures can provide great inspiration. I should start doing that again. All my writes come from my head. Thanks for a reminder.

[Dave]

Beautifully written. I love the images you conjure up in my mind. Images I can easily see because I lived them, so long ago too.

Take care - Dave

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Dave and sorry you lived these images and the sadness and loneliness of losing a companion and friend.

[Dave Brown]

This all sounds a bit too familiar
Autumn's more turmoiled seas
With my dog being much smaller
he'll only return the ball twice, then it's up to me
And no flask
But definitely feel the atmosphere
good write
Such a classic title

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Classic title indeed Dave and only borrowed from Hemingway lol! Many thank yous Sir!