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In Memory of the local
fishing fleet once 100 strong sadly now no more
Stars start to fade at the
coming of light
Faint colours appear in the sky
A lark starts to sing for the morning sun
But a gull gives a raucous reply
Brightening skies now greet the day
As the town wakens up from it’s sleep
Preparing to welcome the hunters back home
From a night spent out on the deep
Gulls start to circle and squawk overhead
Their cry sounding lost and forlorn
But a welcoming sound for those who wait
As their loved ones return with the morn.
Far out on the distant horizon
Twinkling lights now start to appear
To a flickering dance in the dawning
Then a waltz as they draw ever near
There’s an urgent beat to her engine
As the leading lights come into line
The race to be first is now over
Slowing down as she crosses the line
The crew pull down hard on the halyard
As the derrick lifts up to the sky
The catch swings ashore in their boxes
Then laid out for someone to buy
Auctioneers call out the bids to the floor
Watching closely the buyers around
With a wink of an eye, or a nod of the head
Goods bought without utter or sound
Horses and carts are now lined in rows
Patiently waiting to pick up their loads
Soon bound for places all over the land
Along highway and long dusty roads
Fish now ashore the boat now slips out
Now it’s nearly the end of the chase
Load up with boxes move round to her berth
Always moored in her favourite place
With boats now replenished and ready for sea
Now the crews can head home for a sleep
Heads hit the pillow, but in no time at all
It is time to return to the deep.
Jim Campbell |
