PISCES PIECES

Now see a fine display in market hall 
Where fishmonger's stalls sell the freshest catch. 
A world of wet white tiles and melting ice. 
Seafood displayed, arranged in rank and file.
One Scottish salmon commands centre stage
Stretched out upon its own tray of crushed ice
And next to a few Icelandic haddock 
Along with cod trawled from the Dogger Bank.
 
To one side are some plaice all flopped and flat.
Seems they are staring up with fixed focus.  
A side display of small fry, placed parallel 
And herrings heaped up in sad slump of grey. 
Some calamari, tasteless rubbery squid
Are off stage with other seldom sold bits.  

In the corner there's offal bin with heads,
Guts, skeletons and several layers of skin. 
Take for your cat. Put pence in charity box. 
A fine display we see in market hall.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Horsman Avatar
September 14, 2021 at 11:00 PM
Excellent poetry. Tony on the way it is. soon maybe no fish, no stall. A poem for the archives i think.
Hargreaves Avatar
September 16, 2021 at 7:30 AM
Many thanks Harry. Seem to be less fresh fish stalls now. Perhaps soon all fish processed, plastic packed and in supermarket freezer. Tony
Laurie Avatar
September 14, 2021 at 6:23 PM
Hello Tony ... a fishmonger's stall is a very busy place at markets. You've described the hustle and bustle well plus the choices available - thank you Tony - Lindsay
Hargreaves Avatar
September 16, 2021 at 7:34 AM
Thanks Lindsay. I remember those city centre markets of decades ago. Magical places. Focal points. Thought they were great. Huge range of choice available and all fresh produce. Tony
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 14, 2021 at 11:01 AM
Hello Tony Hargraves, At the fishmonger there seems to be a lot of choices. I would buy salmon fillet. Or a salmon steak, trout, white fish. also clams. Enjoy your day my friend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
September 16, 2021 at 10:45 AM
Hello Tony Hargraves, oh! Tony I love them raw with lemon juice and hot sauce. Yum! I can taste them now. So when you create your poem on oysters, I will be hungry for them. Enjoy your day my friend.
Hargreaves Avatar
September 16, 2021 at 7:20 AM
Thanks for comment Darlene. You mention the clams. Seems I'd missed out shellfish. Your comment inspired me to write my next poem 'Oysters'. It should appear in few minutes. Best wishes. Tony
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