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. :)

[....................]

gorgeous imagery, Rudi... I am a sea boy and love all things water related... the photo is wonderful and once again you draw the reader into your colourful world of poetry...

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thanks, FT, for the kind comment. You make me happy. :) Rudi

[Samaira]

This is beautiful. You have painted an image here. It seems to be so calm and peaceful.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you, Manat, for wandering by and for your kind words. Have a good day. :) Rudi