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

[Fachin Jofhi]

Nice panoramic word-view of the place, Christine.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you.

[Stella Armour]

How lovely that you live in such an ancient fishing town, so much to recall about the folks who lived and worked there in times past...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella. It's where we go on holiday, so I have to make the most of it while we visit. Thank you for your kind review. Pleased to meet you.

[Stella Armour]

Please to meet you too :)

[barleygirl]

WOW! WOW! And WOW! This might be the first time I've read you (I'm old & forgetful) so I'm blown away & answering something you wrote on a review of me: "nice to meet you, too!" *smile* One of my last few postings was about a similar "sea" scene, but I believe you have me blown out of the water here with your gentle, wafting, nostalgic scenes. I love your style & I'll be reading more of you soon (I've just returned from a break, so I have to catch up on read requests & stuff) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie for such a lovely review.

[Coyote Poetry]

I love how you describe places and things. You allowed me to see them in my visions. Day visions and night vision, the world can change in our eyes. Thank you Christine for sharing the amazing poetry. I enjoyed this one.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Coyote, thank you for your kind review, and sorry for the tardiness of my reply. This one escaped me. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Christine.

[Paul Bell]

Strange how things look different at night.
Maybe that's where the mystery lies.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Paul. Yes, something about the witching hour that makes the mind wander.

[Gee]

Sound idyllic. Was down in Cornwall in the recent past, a wedding, the small village at the bottom of the steepest of hills was like stepping back in time.
Enjoyed your writing Christine

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Gee for reading.

[Gee]

My pleasure