AFTERNOON AT “SHIPPIES” - (Another pub poem)

Something new. It's all about boats an' pubs.

AFTERNOON AT “SHIPPIES” - (Another pub poem)

 

 

They chatter an’ laugh with self-absorbed thoughts

Of what they would like to accomplish…

Now!

Or at least,

In the foreseeable future.

Though the reality,

As to what’s in store for them.

Is a salty retirement peppered in lackluster.

 

Surprisingly,

They worked hard.

Surprisingly,

They succeeded.

Surprisingly,

They’re happy.

So who’d of thought,

The ball would bounce only centimeters from the pin.

As all of them secretly contemplate guilt an’ sin.

 

Yet with all this witty talk of hope, social issues an’ sport,

As they relax with good wine an’ food.

It was only in the goodness of time,

That one member would get someone else,

To deflect their nastiness.

The conversational grape quickly turns sour.

But as someone shouts…

“More wine!”

Tension sails away, and calm returns.

 

The afternoon maneuvers into dock,

As the sun lowers its jib.

The bill is tallied, plastic cards are drawn,

And the old craggy mariners hug an’ slap backs in friendship.

Though as they walk slowly towards another port,

There comes a holla from the yardarm.

“Same time next week?!”

No answer is required for a standing engagement.

 

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

This one is a picture of a moment in the lives of working men. It is both sad and touching. The men's world will probably never expand beyond what is depicted in these lines. This is their lot for the duration, a life of hard work and sameness. Yet their acceptance of it and their cameraderie is moving. Such men don't complain; they just continue to do the job.

[Graeme Richardson]

Thank you for this comment John. I'm pleased that you liked it. I believe we've all known men like this. This poem came about after sitting waiting for my wife at a pub and observing a group of men. My wife was running late, so it was opportune for me to witness the goings-on of these men.