The Leaving of Liverpool

THE   LEAVING   OF   LIVERPOOL


Giant  ferry berthed in  Mersey River :
Tugs  take the strain with a shiver, 
Ropes creak and we cast off  -
She timorously inches away from the wharf.  
Bow comes round and leaves the dyke:
Lit buildings spin carousel-like  -
Strong currents have  us in tow. 
Black  vortices with bubbles below,
Inkiness of river water stark:
Hear it more than see it in the dark.
Big crewman in black woolly hat
Yelling to another in  Serbo-Croat:
Looks like mayhem  but they know
How to swing her into the river, so
That ropes, men, machines, move in sync
Floating her out on the ink.
Liverpool fades in red glow;
Stars emerge from hiding low.
On the frowning wave
We are alone in the dark, save
Our own lights cast ghostly 
Into   nothingness   mostly.
Go inside and shut out the night. 
In the morning Dublin in sight.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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Devonshire Avatar
March 20, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Your description of the ferry leaving Liverpool is so vivid that I felt like I was on board, Syd. Even the wave is "frowning" from the sadness of your departure. It seems you have traveled to many places I'd like to visit, Syd. If I get to Europe, Liverpool and Ireland are on my list. Really enjoyed taking this boat ride with you. Love, Carolyn
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