Clovelly

And this lot ?
Don't they know
about the spry old lady
set upon and vanished
at the opposite end of the bay ?
I was once bold as this lot,
but I didn't like 
what I couldn't see
peering into the secretive deep.
The last to leave me here
looked thoughtful enough,
perhaps, though, only
to mirror my own gaze.
Had my hand been too fond 
or too cold ?
I still don't know her,
but I may have known the rest
only, somehow, in her.
She sailed with regret, perhaps,
but secured her children
as only a mother could do.
Neither they nor she
would be set upon,
nor vanish at this end of the bay;
they vanished from me, 
though not from the bay,
she vanished only from me.

15th August 2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Faulkner Avatar
August 23, 2020 at 12:48 PM
Hi Lawrence, this is so wistful and melancholy - there are some mysteries we can never solve, and being left behind can leave a permanent wound-
Sharp Avatar
August 24, 2020 at 12:11 AM
Quite right, this set does cover some lost ground. Thanks for stopping by.
Horsman Avatar
August 20, 2020 at 10:47 PM
A tragic loss, the poetry amazingly infectious.
Sharp Avatar
August 21, 2020 at 8:32 AM
Thank you, Harry, very encouraging words from a poet of your standing.
Nicole Avatar
August 16, 2020 at 6:20 PM
"I still don't know her" There are so many emotions within. Perhaps you want to know her. Perhaps she feels overwhelmed. So many thoughts to ponder here. Perhaps you can enlighten me. ~ Brandy
Sharp Avatar
August 17, 2020 at 6:43 AM
Glad you enjoyed, Branderz. It would take a lot of time and space to start explaining where this set comes from, but I'm always pleased if it somehow resonates with the reader.
Robinson Jr. Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 11:07 PM
Very moving poem of deep introspection, Lawrence! Your sharp analysis of those innermost cove emotions is soul jarring. Powerful poetry per usual from your eclectic quill. Let love and peace be bestowed upon you always.
Sharp Avatar
August 16, 2020 at 6:35 AM
Thank you so much, Mr Fred, always good to have your feedback, my friend.
Lindley Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 4:31 PM
You weave such so well my friend. I think I will stay away from the ocean for a long spell.. A fav... God bless....
Sharp Avatar
August 16, 2020 at 6:33 AM
Thanks for support, my friend, and for fave.
Pandit Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 2:19 PM
This event has you in deep thoughts my friend..so sad is the ending..they vanished from me, though not from the bay, she vanished only from me...
Sharp Avatar
August 16, 2020 at 6:32 AM
Thanks for visit and comment, Vijay. Yes, extraordinary events, but, more than that, some raw remembrances.
Ashford Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 10:26 AM
This feels like a play upon a true tragic event. I like how you weaved this tale from from a multiple point of view ( or so it seems to me). The last reply to this poem also seems to hit he mark. Excellent. e
Sharp Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 11:14 AM
Yes, a true life (or death) event does feature; and yes, there is more happening than that alone. Thanks for stopping in.
One Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 8:08 AM
Your poem reminds of people who become invisible to others, especially, when only some remember, and its a good thing that you remember... Enjoyed your poem...
Sharp Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 8:20 AM
Thanks for stopping in, Si, very glad you enjoyed. Your perspective is certainly a quite close insight into one of the numerous elements that feature here. If you like, you might also look at the one I posted yesterday, 'Then, Sunny Cove', which is the first of a set.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace