The Old Man and The Sea

The Old Man and The Sea

A Poem by John Alexander McFadyen
"

A scene with a borrowed title!

"

Leaning on his horn topped cane

the views across the bay are

simply breathtaking.

 

The sea is gray and wild

as the wind whips the waves

into a frenzy of white horses.

 

Beyond, the mist drifts

in a gloomy curtain

across the far horizon.

 

The blustery air coils

and twists his hair

across his rain swept face.

 

but his gaze remains

resolute and firmly

set upon the briny murk.

 

Angry rollers dash

the slate sharp rocks

smoothing and polishing

 

and grinding down

their roughness

into a treacherous sheen.

 

A black Labrador bounds

across the sand, returning

a rubber ball to his feet.

 

He stoops, picks it up

and extending his arm,

throwing it as far as he can,

 

returning to his solitude,

as soft thoughts

and regret take hold.

 

Time has washed

the colour from his hair,

wrinkled his skin,

 

left him with arthritic pains

when he bends

to tie his shoes.

 

But his memories remain,

intact and clear

and his love still burns

 

as he recalls

so many shared nights

and days of bliss.

 

a single tear falls

from his eyes as he

holds his hip flask to his lips.

 

23/09/20

© 2020 John Alexander McFadyen


Author's Note

John Alexander McFadyen

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Reviews

A fine poem, and let me simply say, I hope you are healthy, have the best Christmas possible, my best wishes...

Posted 3 Years Ago


John Alexander McFadyen

3 Years Ago

Many, many thank yous Leslie and I too wish you a calm and peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and good.. read more
Powerful, honest and sad words shared John.
"returning to his solitude,
as soft thoughts
and regret take hold."
The lines above. I believe if we led with concern, kindness and love. We will know some sort of peace. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

Posted 3 Years Ago


John Alexander McFadyen

3 Years Ago

Yes you are very wise Coyote John concern and kindness. Many thanks.
Coyote Poetry

3 Years Ago

You are welcome John. Finally semi-retired. I can write more, read more.
John Alexander McFadyen

3 Years Ago

Congratulations and enjoy the freedom dear poet.
This is one of the most fulsome poems I've read of yours becuz you pack it with dynamic action & vivid imagery surrounding the sea, as well as conveying the sensations of being an old man puttering along as if this scene itself is his friend & inspiration. Your writing resembles the turbulent waves & I love this: "frenzy of white horses"! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

Posted 3 Years Ago


John Alexander McFadyen

3 Years Ago

thank you so much Margie, I had a clear inage of the scene in my head.
This poem feels very intimate, like we are really looking through the old man's eyes. Very beautiful

Posted 3 Years Ago


John Alexander McFadyen

3 Years Ago

Thank you so much Kari that makes it seem worthwhile.
Heartfelt. Great imagery and I loved the poetic expression in this piece. I would imagine there are many who can relate to this poem. Women as well as men. I particularly liked the format and the stanza length. Made for easier reading.

Chris

Posted 3 Years Ago


John Alexander McFadyen

3 Years Ago

Thank you Chris, Not sure where this came from but I just saw a picture of an old man standing stari.. read more
Chris Shaw

3 Years Ago

Pictures can provide great inspiration. I should start doing that again. All my writes come from my .. read more
Beautifully written. I love the images you conjure up in my mind. Images I can easily see because I lived them, so long ago too.

Take care - Dave

Posted 3 Years Ago


John Alexander McFadyen

3 Years Ago

Thank you Dave and sorry you lived these images and the sadness and loneliness of losing a companion.. read more
This all sounds a bit too familiar
Autumn's more turmoiled seas
With my dog being much smaller
he'll only return the ball twice, then it's up to me
And no flask
But definitely feel the atmosphere
good write
Such a classic title

Posted 3 Years Ago


John Alexander McFadyen

3 Years Ago

Classic title indeed Dave and only borrowed from Hemingway lol! Many thank yous Sir!

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Added on September 23, 2020
Last Updated on September 23, 2020

Author

John Alexander McFadyen
John Alexander McFadyen

Brixworth, England, United Kingdom



About
Well, have a long and complicated story and started it as an autobiography on Bebo but got writer's block/memory fogging. People liked it though and kept asking for the next chapter! fools.. more..

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