On the Harbour She Stands

In her silk evening dress
On the harbour she stands
Looking out to the waters
That claimed her man

The sea was his life
Ever since he was a boy
To be a sailor
Was to be his pride and joy

He made the grade
Through naval school
He was brought up to understand
That the sea can be cruel

Then one night
In the Pentland Firth
The sea was about to show
Its almighty worth

A force nine storm
From the North Sea heads
As his ship was cast
Onto Dunnett Head

No prisoners were taken
This November night
Smashed to smithereens
As she disappeared from sight

The very next morning
The sea was calm and quiet
A difference of hours
From the previous nights riot

Along the rocky shoreline
Bodies were washed up
Bruised and battered
In deathly abrupt

In twisted grace
Her man was found
Amongst the ship he adored
In wreckage surround

On the anniversary of her loss
On the harbour she stands
Looking out to the waters
That claimed her man




http://www.thehighlanderspoems.com/loss-4.php
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

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Echo Avatar
February 3, 2010 at 6:34 AM
Sad but beautiful.. Great poem :D -Echo
Owens Avatar
January 26, 2010 at 12:58 PM
Wow this is so intrigueing...enjoyed...Marty
Haick Avatar
January 24, 2010 at 3:33 PM
Hauntingly beautiful, yet sad, James. I can't imagine how hard it is to lose a loved one at sea! It's tough enough when you have a body to see and put to rest, but to never see your loved one again, that's extremely sad! Great job! Peace, Audrey
Chircop Avatar
January 24, 2010 at 10:32 AM
Marvellous writer...Outstandinglu beautiful..Charma
Zakerski Avatar
January 24, 2010 at 3:15 AM
James, this is an exquisite poem - very sad, yet extremely well written.. You are an absolutely awesome poet and should definitely consider getting all of these published. My book comes out, hopefully by next week. You can purchase on Amazon or EStore, called "My Heart Revealed", Poetry written from the heart throughout the years. The cover is purple. I'm soooooooooooo excited. Keep up the great writing. Kelly
Hilliker Avatar
January 24, 2010 at 12:48 AM
Very sad and compelling write. Very smooth. I enjoyed it, thanks.
Peranteau Avatar
January 23, 2010 at 7:45 AM
Wow,..this is truly powerful poetry Mr. Fraser,...it reminds me of the movie Perfect storm,..although in it,..no bodies where recovered or seen. Great descriptive write Sir !!!!! James,..did you ever consider writing documentary scripts for tv, or even Readers Digest ? james
Culverhouse Avatar
January 23, 2010 at 6:57 AM
sad and beautiful, thanks for sharing.
Moreno Avatar
January 23, 2010 at 2:47 AM
A poignant poem James, nice work on the emotion of her waiting on the harbor...Raul
Foster Avatar
January 23, 2010 at 1:33 AM
Was he on a whaler out of Peterhead? Thats the picture that came to me....cheers Margaret
Dietrich Avatar
January 22, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Hey, James, that is quite a seafaring story there. Is it based on some true story? Just stopping by to see a few of the "oldies but goodies" of this club. LUv, andrea
Sweetheart Avatar
January 22, 2010 at 6:43 PM
Beautiful imagery James with a sad story but u make it so visual u tend to forget the sadness of the lost luv... great rhyme to your words... my friend... luv.. Linda-Marie
Richards Avatar
January 22, 2010 at 4:28 PM
It almost seems like a tale of old folklore....so sad, melancholy, like an old movie I've seen. Nicely done, James! ~ Carrie
Kendrick Avatar
January 22, 2010 at 4:16 PM
Beautiful expressive write. I can see the picture and the pain the woman is feeling. Keep the creative pen flowing. Sara
Devonshire Avatar
January 22, 2010 at 2:50 PM
Captivating image of the woman looking longingly out upon the sea that claimed her man, James. Terrific narrative that makes us realize how many women must suffer wondering about their lost loved ones. Did you see "The Perfect Storm"? I couldn't help but think of it while reading this, even though it appropriately described a different but similar event. Excellent writing! Love, carolyn
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