The Lobsterman

THE LOBSTERMAN

Hushed silence as the dawn begins unveil 
Faded ribbons of beauty appear ever so pale
Morphing in depth and passionate splendor
Eternal, inspirational gifting of nature

The density of darkness vaporizes to light
As all that was shadowed comes into sight
Casts upon the harbor the soft glow of morn
Life’s daily symphony begins to perform

The dawn draws to life each and every thing
With the rising orb new life does it bring
The soft glow of light, the harbor awakes 
Lobstermen appear as the new day breaks

This endless ritual begins always the same
Moonrise and sunrise in eternal refrain
And this day, as in days of decades before
He stands in his row boat and raises his oar

Hunched from the weight of years of hard work
Family and responsibilities never to shirk
He nods as he paddles without saying a word
Brothers in a bond that doesn’t need to be heard

The ache in his body is worse on some days
He goes about his work in a reverent haze
This is all he can do - all that he knows
Lifetimes ago ... twas the life that he chose.

Or maybe to say the life that chose him
To sink or to swim is the lobsterman’s hymn
He was raised on a boat, always in boots
He bleeds it from his pores – it’s inbred in his roots

Leaving the harbor barely breaking a wake
He steers his old vessel into the daybreak
Irrelevant is the cold, the heat or a storm
His performance perpetuates each new day born

His story but a drop in an ocean we don’t see 
His dedication and ethic simply humble me
Haunted by hunched image in silhouette as he oars
To his life in the harbor whence it is moored.

October 13, 2017
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

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

Allison Avatar
March 15, 2018 at 6:49 PM
what amazing imagery Judith I could picture the scene so vividly in my minds eye - no need for a picture here:-) I live by the sea so love tales relating to the ocean and the sailors:-) hugs Jan xx
Ashley Avatar
February 10, 2018 at 9:03 PM
Wow! Gorgeous imagery and exquisite characterization of the lobsterman, Judy. A compelling tale with beautiful expression that moved me through your poetic lines with gentle waves. You are an amazing poetess my dear NE friend. This was such a joy to read.. Warmest wishes. ~Susan
Ashley Avatar
February 10, 2018 at 9:56 PM
Oh, how beautiful your vacation must have been Judy. You've written an awesome tribute to Ogunquit and the lobstermen with your creative mind and poetic talent..Well done!!
S     Avatar
February 10, 2018 at 9:32 PM
Ahhh Susan ... my NE friend ... you are travelling back in my list. Thank you for your wonderful visits!!! This one was born out of an amazing late summer vacation to Ogunquit. I love to go out to see the sunrise ... and so was witness to the lobermen starting their day.
Dietrich Avatar
January 21, 2018 at 7:10 PM
wow, you did a VERY well written character portrayal here of the lobsterman. The hard life that pretty much chose HIM. I really liked this one that I found of yours, Judith. It's wonderful
S     Avatar
January 22, 2018 at 3:01 PM
Oh my dear Andrea! You are just amazing to find time to read back in my work. You really honor me with your support and kind comments. ~Judy
Robinson Jr. Avatar
December 8, 2017 at 9:39 AM
Beautiful poem, Judith. I thought it flowed w/grace and deep, thoughtful meaning. I am a free spirited poet, not shackled by the restraints of meter and such. That's a nice literary tether for some, I suppose. But my spirit is not moored, and my words sail free. Maybe that's why I can relate to the Lobsterman so much. Wonderful poem on all levels. Love and smiles always.
S     Avatar
December 8, 2017 at 10:10 AM
Thank you Freddie :) I love that ... "my spirit is not moored and my words sail free." I took this picture in Ogunquit Maine ... and I just really wanted to tell my perceived story of this hunched man going to check his lobster traps :) Your comments have really made my day!! Especially coming from someone I consider an amazing talent! Such a very unique style. I so appreciate you reading .. and commenting :) ~Judy
One Avatar
November 2, 2017 at 3:42 PM
Wow.. The first too stanza are amazing... dont worry about meter... sometimes it affects the depth of the poem.. This is great story telling..
S     Avatar
November 2, 2017 at 5:22 PM
Thank you SO! I had an amazing picture I took of this man, so small in stature and hunched at the shoulders as he stood and rowed. I wanted to go back and ask him his story. Appreciate your kind comments!! ~Judy
Lamoureux Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 8:29 AM
Meter is easier if you shorten your lines. The longer the line the more awkward the flow. The content and story itself is quite good. I think this one is worth revisiting at some point.
S     Avatar
October 29, 2017 at 10:53 AM
Richard ... I very much appreciate your suggestion and will take this advice to heart. I wish I could post the photo I took of the man here ... as I can't find any online that paint the same feeling :( I will definitely revisit this one!! Best, Judy
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