Late O'Clock

Late O'Clock

A Poem by Chris Shaw

Beyond this rain splashed window pane,
my eyes are drawn towards the town,
three storeys high and looking down
into the harbour's thirsty mouth.

Low tide, sees anchored boats like stone
and silent streets unwelcome though
a glow from amber lamps gives light
to soften where the water laps.

Square riggers once would grace this place
and Captain's lodged where I now stay,
so they too had the same sharp view
of Brixham that I have today.

These cottages of pastel hues,
that oversee from giddy heights
at dawn are of the present time,
yet haunt the living late at night.

© 2018 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

Goodliest of fine mornings to you Chris. I thought seeing as I have a minute or six, I'd go for an oldie this time... The poem, not the... Anyway...
Your late o'clock sounds a bit like my silly o'clock, except a bit more rivery and most likely with a few less trees, unless it doubles as Hansel and Gretels cottage, which surely the waves would ruin all that lovely gingerbread! 😊
Your last line is perfect for such a haunting piece. Sometimes the stillness of night haunts the most hearty of people, leading to that fake bravado when you begin to creep yourself out, that you better get to beddy byes after all and hide under the sheets.. Or Is that just me? 😊
Enjoy your weekend and I hope Mr Sun has got his hat on for you, despite that feeling like a quite irresponsible fire hazard. And don't get me started on when he's pictured with shades on. They'd surely melt all over his eyeballs and that sounds at the very least, a bit nippy 😊

Posted 11 Months Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

11 Months Ago

Hi Lorry, I appreciate you looking at older poems without mentioning …. I have to say you have me.. read more



Reviews

I have been and seen and that beach over there and the finest tattoo shop and a fine fish and chip too

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Love the place gram. Just booked to go back in October. Was there about five weeks ago. Fish and chi.. read more
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Rye
Such a wonderful write here, so lovely

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

That's good to know :) Feel free to raid my archives:)
This comment has been deleted by the poster.
Rye

4 Years Ago

I probably will later, I am trying to ail my back. I hate backaches
Love this lusty account of a seaside town in all its former glory and love the description and wonderful account you set out in this piece Chris. Being a pleb I tried but failed to follow the rhyming scheme!

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

John Alexander McFadyen

4 Years Ago

Bugger!!!!
Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

:)) I mix and match sometimes.
John Alexander McFadyen

4 Years Ago

Bad girl!!
Nice closing, and true about old house [have noticed a theme of closeness to the sea in several of your poems, Christine].

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Dear Nolo, I thank you for your visit. I do indeed have a love of the sea, especially Brixham. Going.. read more
Funny how at night something so vibrant can appear so eerie.
I must Google Brixham to see if there's more to the story. Maybe it's a haunted town?

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

It's a very old fishing town in Devon. Probably got lots of history re smugglers Ana. Thank you. I l.. read more
Papaya

5 Years Ago

You're welcome, it sounds like an intriguing spot.
Haunts your readers, too.
Both beauty and melancholy linger.
Mesmerizing poem!

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thank you Jimmy. That muse of mine comes out late at night.

Chris
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¿
Loved the era...it took me there I felt like from the first line...and third stanza is like I could have a HD vision of it!!
I came back from there to review😀!!
Great read☺

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thank you so much Tahsin.Z Appreciate very much your visit and your comments.

Chris
¿

5 Years Ago

Did you know??


That you're already welcomed!😊
Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thank you :))
"Late O' Clock,
The very lateness of the hour which opens your poem is the thing which grabs my attention. I have always enjoyed this period. It is a an opportunity for relaxed and creative contemplation. The imagery and words of past vessels with there captains and what and where they were doing and going in a much earlier time is whimsical and interesting. History is all around and this poem welcomes its reality in the lovely pastel colored cottages and the very abode which you looked out over you inspiring panorama.
Lovely inspiring little story-poem.
Blessings,
Kathy

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thank you Kathy. Your kind review is much appreciated.
The visuals you paint are extraordinary, and allowed me to "see" the scene with clarity. Additionally, you've conveyed a richness of mood and detail in not that many words. Outstanding writing.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thank you so much Samuel for a great review. Much appreciated.

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Added on April 15, 2018
Last Updated on April 15, 2018

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

Writing
Spoken Spoken

A Poem by Chris Shaw



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