Late O'Clock

Beyond this rain splashed window pane,

my eyes are drawn towards the town,

three storeys high and looking down

into the harbour's thirsty mouth.

Low tide, sees anchored boats like stone

and silent streets unwelcome though

a glow from amber lamps gives light

to soften where the water laps.

Square riggers once would grace this place

and Captain's lodged where I now stay,

so they too had the same sharp view

of Brixham that I have today.

These cottages of pastel hues,

that oversee from giddy heights

at dawn are of the present time,

yet haunt the living late at night.

Reviews

[Lorry]

Goodliest of fine mornings to you Chris. I thought seeing as I have a minute or six, I'd go for an oldie this time... The poem, not the... Anyway...
Your late o'clock sounds a bit like my silly o'clock, except a bit more rivery and most likely with a few less trees, unless it doubles as Hansel and Gretels cottage, which surely the waves would ruin all that lovely gingerbread! 😊
Your last line is perfect for such a haunting piece. Sometimes the stillness of night haunts the most hearty of people, leading to that fake bravado when you begin to creep yourself out, that you better get to beddy byes after all and hide under the sheets.. Or Is that just me? 😊
Enjoy your weekend and I hope Mr Sun has got his hat on for you, despite that feeling like a quite irresponsible fire hazard. And don't get me started on when he's pictured with shades on. They'd surely melt all over his eyeballs and that sounds at the very least, a bit nippy 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Hi Lorry, I appreciate you looking at older poems without mentioning …. I have to say you have me pondering on fairy stories now I have just remembered the Snow Queen. What a cold cow was she. The sun has just come out and brushed those moody clouds away:) Hope your weekend is a good one and thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[gram linski]

I have been and seen and that beach over there and the finest tattoo shop and a fine fish and chip too

[Chris Shaw]

Love the place gram. Just booked to go back in October. Was there about five weeks ago. Fish and chips are great there. Will have to take your word about the finest tattoo shop. Not seen it. Thank you for checking this old one out.

Chris

[Rye]

Such a wonderful write here, so lovely

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Rye for visiting this older poem.

Chris

[Rye]

i like reading people's older writes.

[Chris Shaw]

That's good to know :) Feel free to raid my archives:)

[Rye]

I probably will later, I am trying to ail my back. I hate backaches

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Love this lusty account of a seaside town in all its former glory and love the description and wonderful account you set out in this piece Chris. Being a pleb I tried but failed to follow the rhyming scheme!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John. Don't try and follow the rhyme schemes. Sometimes they aren't there :)

read moreMany thanks John. Don't try and follow the rhyme schemes. Sometimes they aren't there :)

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Bugger!!!!

[Chris Shaw]

:)) I mix and match sometimes.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Bad girl!!

[Nolo Segundo]

Nice closing, and true about old house [have noticed a theme of closeness to the sea in several of your poems, Christine].

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Nolo, I thank you for your visit. I do indeed have a love of the sea, especially Brixham. Going there again soon. All good wishes.

Chris

[Papaya]

Funny how at night something so vibrant can appear so eerie.
I must Google Brixham to see if there's more to the story. Maybe it's a haunted town?

[Chris Shaw]

It's a very old fishing town in Devon. Probably got lots of history re smugglers Ana. Thank you. I love it there

Chris

[Papaya]

You're welcome, it sounds like an intriguing spot.

[Jimmy Yetts]

Haunts your readers, too.
Both beauty and melancholy linger.
Mesmerizing poem!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. That muse of mine comes out late at night.

Chris

[¿]

Loved the era...it took me there I felt like from the first line...and third stanza is like I could have a HD vision of it!!
I came back from there to review😀!!
Great read☺

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Tahsin.Z Appreciate very much your visit and your comments.

Chris

[¿]

Did you know??


That you're already welcomed!😊

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you :))

[Kathy Van Kurin]

"Late O' Clock,
The very lateness of the hour which opens your poem is the thing which grabs my attention. I have always enjoyed this period. It is a an opportunity for relaxed and creative contemplation. The imagery and words of past vessels with there captains and what and where they were doing and going in a much earlier time is whimsical and interesting. History is all around and this poem welcomes its reality in the lovely pastel colored cottages and the very abode which you looked out over you inspiring panorama.
Lovely inspiring little story-poem.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kathy. Your kind review is much appreciated.

[Samuel Dickens]

The visuals you paint are extraordinary, and allowed me to "see" the scene with clarity. Additionally, you've conveyed a richness of mood and detail in not that many words. Outstanding writing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Samuel for a great review. Much appreciated.