Sunrise Commute...

a day spent, long ago, on my fathers lobster boat...

 

Early morning sunrise takes me to the harbour

Stepping to the jetty I prepare for the day

Hugging tight to my fleecy jacket

I shiver in the pre-dawn chill

 

The day begins too early for this fishing town

Yet my working day is not work for me

As I tag along for the scents and view

 

The lines are dropped, the engine roars

The diesel smells are strong

I watch the crew prepare the pots and bait

This day for them is long

 

I squint into rising sun over the hills on east

The darkened blanket of city lights

And early morning runners on streets

Waking birds muted chatter is heard

 

Away we pull from the moorings

First smokes are lit all around

As other boats follow the invisible line

That is not marked yet easily found

 

Quiet greetings stretch across the waves

To old friends and fishing competitors

Good natured ribbing and hazing

As the first catch call is made

 

Soon there we are, the open sea

A mystery, a stranger, yet a friend

Welcoming those who’s respect she’s earned

And cautions for those who’s attention strays

 

I move across, and to the bow

Facing the incoming spray

Breathing deep and smiling complete

I greet another day

 

Soon after this the speed picks up

And soon after we greet our friends

Diving jumping racing the spray

Our dolphin fisher-friends

 

The ocean speaks to me so soft

She smiles and shows me depths

Shadows fade as sunlight hits

Upon her smiling face….

Author's Note

it's incomplete simply because i can't capture all the memories of those days within a not too large poem..:) i hope you enjoy

Reviews

[Bear]

I believe you've captured your memories quite well in this poem!! You've gathered the high points of the adventure you experienced as a girl, those details that overwhelmed your senses as a girl that you have the life experience to gather and express so well as a woman. I've not been aboard a fishing boat and your poem took me along on your adventures of you youth. I heard some tales from my uncle in my childhood of his work upon a shrimp boat that worked the Atlantic South of Florida, USA oh, 38 and more years ago.
Thanks for sharing the adventure!! I'd most likely get "sea sick" but, what sites I would have seen and joy would have been felt seeing those dolphins jumping through the waves. OH, I love this a great deal!! Good Job! Sallie Bear

[Albert Freeman]

You could turn this into an epic poem/story:P Very nice images. Your memories of your childhood are very vivid while mine are fleeting. Looking forward to reading more about your youth.

[Angel's Lady]

I love the pictures you paint with your words, how lovingly you speak of the mistress sea...

How very descriptive your words are...I can almost feel the salt spray! Are those seagulls I hear? LOL

Great write! Wonderful job...