The Perfect Day

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Unpacked by dawn, the newborn day lies still,
it takes it's first breath, breeze disturbs the haze,
faint sunlight cuts a path from up the hill,
soaks out the nightly shades of blues and greys.
Daylight reveals the boats along the cut
their hulls adorned with swirling script and flowers,
picnic chairs on the prow are folded shut
'till next their owners while away the hours.
Inside, still sleeping, different folk reside,
newly retired, the boat their final home
or weekenders from busy lives here hide
to cast off, then to further reaches roam.
Though different, the same calm water calls
this is the common bond that binds them all.

I smell fried bacon- someone else awoke
to take advantage of this precious time,
two dog walkers pass by, though neither spoke,
at six the distant village church bells chime.
Along the cut sounds as the crews are roused,
not yawns, but whistling kettles, clattering plates,
a Spaniel pads out onto the bow
anticipating breakfast, sits and waits.
To fetch fresh water someone steps ashore
acknowledging a wave with tip of hat,
nearby ducks snaffle bread and beg for more,
while watched with hungry eyes by someone's cat.
The helmsmen scan the sky while drinking tea,
all smiles knowing just how the day will be.

For me a  privilege to share these days
time slowing to a crawl, no need to make it,
you see the blissful calm in all their ways,
cherish every heartbeat when they take it.
De-cluttered lives, these people travel light
and in my mind I wish that I could too,
they say that they are happy and they're right,
so little but enough to see them through.
Their back yard they can change when they see fit,
new neighbours but all still one family,
and gracious to let me be part of it
though soon I return to reality.
The reed beds saw me off as they all gave
a long, wind-blown, rustling Mexican wave.

For contest 'The perfect day', sponsor Madison Demetros
November 21, 2017

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 11/25/2017 8:20:00 AM
You have painted an idyllic picture in your feast of sonnets Viv. I can almost smell the early morning coffee and the sizzling bacon while taking in the charm of this boat paradise. I do wonder where this picturesque place is. All the very best in the contest...Maria
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Viv Wigley
Date: 11/26/2017 2:45:00 AM
Thanks, Maria, my pal's boat is moored on the 'cut' (Canal) at a place called Findern in Derbyshire. A little further along is Mercia Marina, which is huge, with shops and restaurants, but not as peaceful. It's on Google maps. Thanks for dropping by. Viv x
Date: 11/21/2017 5:29:00 PM
This is almost touchable Viv. Wonderful write as always.
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Viv Wigley
Date: 11/22/2017 6:20:00 PM
Thanks, Jean, a pal of mine has his own boat, I got to do the signposting on it for a few days in the summer. Very relaxing. Viv x
Date: 11/21/2017 9:23:00 AM
Your poem is as perfect as the perfect day you wrote about--well done Viv!
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Viv Wigley
Date: 11/22/2017 6:20:00 PM
Thanks, Vijay.
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