I'm wandering by

I was trying to daydream, but my mind kept wandering. Steven Wright

I’m wandering by and stroll after colours

the weathered ones of the fishing vessel

and the shiny white of the yacht at the landing-stage

flags and pennants from everywhere blowing

 

a man with a pipe between his nets

plugs and stopples the holes

patching up for later on the water

the smoke of tobacco that mingles

with the brackish smells on the jetty

 

seagulls dive low over the pier

and skim almost the with clams

overgrown mooring-posts

shouting at each other and the incoming ships

 

the wind strikes full in the sails

it’s time for raking and hoisting

while between the old barques

a little canoe glides away

into the open sea.

 

© Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere

18/10/2014

If you want to hear the poem recited, please click 

on the window of SoundCloud. Enjoy!

Author's Note

Reviews

[emmajoy]

'a man with a pipe between his nets - plugs and stopples the holes - patching up for later on the water - the smoke of tobacco that mingles - with the brackish smells on the jetty .. .. '

Oh Rudi, how that picture and description reminds me of places over here - tis so very real.

What a delight and sweet, sweet thrill! You've just taken me into a world where the smell of sea is wrapped in the hustle and bustle of a fishing port, Rudi. .Plus to hear you read it so well and slowly is brilliant, truly!

Second line, stanza 3.. wondering if a word omitted.. or my ignorance, maybe.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, Emma, for reading and such a beautiful review.
About the line you mention: seagulls dive low over the pier and skim almost the with clams overgrown mooring-posts...
please enlighten me what is missing, you know English is not my native language and I'm always glad to learn.

:) Rudi

[emmajoy]

almost the with clams - is there a word missing between the 'the' and 'with'

Rudi, i would have mentioned the above private but no message box available..

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Don't worry about it. Maybe it would be better if I had written: seagull dive low over the pier and skim the mooring-posts overgrown with clams....???

[emmajoy]

Laughing, this could lead to a long exchange of bewilderment.. And what did you do over the weekend, Rudi? Well, i had this infuriating Brit talking a load of rubbish about .. :)))

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Well, this promises to be a very good weekend. Start of my yearly holiday and tomorrow we'll going to celebrate an anniversary of an old man, he's going to be 59 tomorrow, really old isn't it :) Rudi

[emmajoy]

The older the man, the riper he is, Rudi! . Enjoy every moment..

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you so much, Emma, I certainly will. :) Rudi

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

... and have a good weekend too. :)

[MsJewel]

Your descriptions are so vivid - so well written. You have an amazing talent my friend.

:) Julie

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you so much, Julie, glad you liked it. :) Rudi

[Chris]

This line just feels off somehow - "and skim almost the with clams"...

I listened both to my voice reading you aloud and to your voiced soundcloud file. It was a good taste of the moment.

[Robert]

The finely descriptive piece had me right there experiencing what you saw, heard, smelled. Very well done sir.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you so much, Robert, for reading and reviewing, much appreciated. :) Rudi

[sereenaoutloud]

what a beautiful tranquil write and the photo is stunning , all this colors of the boats...love it! :)

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, Sereena, glad you liked it. Have a good weekend. :) Rudi

[Lydia Shutter]

I love anything having to do with the water and sailing. This is a delightful write. The freedom of sailing is intoxicatingly expressed. Great stuff. Lydi**

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you so much, Lydi, glad you liked it. Have a good day. :) Rudi

[Willard Wells]

Beautiful words on one of my favorite subjects, water. I felt I was standing with you on the dock enjoying the view and the smells. Thanks you for sharing. Even the fish.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, Willard, glad you liked my poem. Have a good day. :) Rudi

[Coyote Poetry]

I like the sea and the boats. The sea and the great lakes near me. Allow us to dream and hope of great journey. Nice visions and thoughts create by your outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, John, for your kind remarks. :) Rudi

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome. Always a pleasure to read your words.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Is there room for one more on that little canoe? You gave this birthday girl a real treat, Rudi...I love this!

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Happy birthday, Kelly and thank you for passing by, reading and reviewing. Have a wonderful day. :) Rudi

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i want to be in that little canoe...unnoticed slipping out into the open waters of life.

such a wonderful write, Rudi....and great quote in the description...steven wright is a favorite of mine...i share many of his quotes with my English students, since he plays so well on the language with his sayings.

"i intend to live forever, so far so good"

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, Jacob, for passing by and reading my writing. Your kind words are really appreciated. Have a good day. :) Rudi