Sundayness.

 

 

Sundayness.

Afternoon yawns below lulled cobble streets 
as slow-Sunday-ness calls all cottage people.   

 

Coast-swept valley folk stretch best-clad legs
to hill-high chapels and heads
bend to pray as Sunday-sea laps in summer,
milk-mild and rippleless
while fat hinterland whispers "Yes" to grass          
ambles of un-hasty cattle            
loath to quit pasture for stick-dry cow shed.   

 

White azure wipes Sunday's sapphire sky
with fine haze as housewives
fold greasy aprons to revive post-dinner
languor alongside napping
males who full-bellied unbutton to snore
away, in belch-ridden dreams, 
more creamy helpings of sweet fruit pie.

 

Sunday-dusk drifts in last need to linger 
as kitchen gathers its family
Sunday-ness for sandwich  supper of rich 
weekend treats, then well-fed
togetherness blinks as clock-chimes show
Sunday-ways stop when hot
hob-black kettle cools last desire to sing. 

          

As fire-glow dies tired souls climb worn steps  

 to where sleep knows dawn means labour again. 

Reviews

[some nobody called madd..]

wow, nice job! this is really good. im typing this part only cause i need to submit at least 25 characters lol

[emmajoy]

' Sunday-dusk drifts in last need to linger ~ as kitchen gathers its family ~ Sunday-ness for sandwich ~
supper of rich ~ ~ weekend treats, then well-fed ~ togetherness blinks as clock-chimes show ~ Sunday-ways stop when hot ~ hob-black kettle cools last desire to sing. '

Could have copied every verse, Fay... but had to chose one, closed eyes and slidefinger upand downto select. Your words conjur the day. the family, the ambience, the goings+on and more, each stanza holding a precious visual which take me back to visits i realise made extended family in time past always led to labour at some time.. whilst routines were kept as faithfully as could be at the weekend, or at least on Sunday. Made me tear up.. and yes, not unusual but, this is more than a poem, it's more than most words could ever mean. Thank you so much. Keep safe, please. Must read again, third time!

(Had an old Cornish n uncle that was part of this: ' full-bellied unbutton to snore away, in belch-ridden dreams, ' bless him)

PS.. great picture!

[Fay Slimm]

So pleased the read was able to evoke good memories emma - - thanking you ever so much for your lovely review of Sundayness.

[emmajoy]

Brought back memories from when I was little and visited certain relatives.. it's a glorious and warmly described time, Fay. Love it. xx

[Neville]

what an absolutely amazing nostalgic journey you just took this old fella on Fay ... Got Sunday off to a T so ya did ......... this brought back so many happy memories for me .. tickled all my senses too & truly :)

[Fay Slimm]

Thought you would be tickled by this nostalgic visit down memory lane dear friend. Lots of thank yous for your valued review of Sundayness.