Now and Then

it's a glory day sitting outside
the crown and anchor
overlooking this inner harbour

with a coffee and brandy
as the sun reaches the yardarm
so positively pleasant

while little boats barely move on
water that glints with sequinned
spangles and i

watch old fishing trawlers rust
while the tang of salt tastes
on my upper lip

as memories like the ebb and flow
of the tides wash from corridors
of my mind unsurpressed

Reviews

[DIVYA]

The sea, with its ebb and flow churns memories and brings forth such emotions from within. I loved the stunning imagery of the water that glints with sequined spangles. I drink in the sights, smells and tastes of that lovely day you spent at the harbour. The sea is a great magician and never disappoints. We always come away refreshed. Loved this poem, dear Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

This is such a special place for me DIVYA. My muse likes it too. Sadly she has decided to go awol :) Really pleased you enjoyed this write.

Chris

[DIVYA]

She will miss you and return, dear Chris.
You are too awesome to be left alone for too long.
Have a lovely day!

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I love the ocean. Whenever I get a chance to visit up in Monterey by the sea I feel a sense of spiritual awakening watching the waves. I feel a sense of returning to the beginning. Like I'm returning home. A validation that there may be other beauties in the world but nothing comparatively immense then the sea itself. I'm struck by its powerful nature and humbled by the unseen world that exists within her. CLE

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Carlos thank you for sharing your thoughts. I love the ocean and the river. Water does it for me, but then my birth sign is Pisces and I know I am drawn to the beauty, movement and sound of both fresh and salt water. Can be totally mesmerised in its company. I appreciate you stopping by and wish you well dear poet.

Chris

[Dave]

Although I was born and lived most of my young life down the shore, it's been quite a while since I've seen and heard the sounds you tell of In your writing, I could almost smell the smells that accompanied those old trawlers. Thank you for the very pleasant reminders.
Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Dave. Thank you for your visit. I am certainly drawn to water. Find it mesmerising, both in movement and sound. Whether salty or freshwater, I get pleasure from being near it. Hope you and yours are keeping well. All best wishes.

Chris

[Red Brick Keshner]

It's days like that that centre's us and anchors our thoughts. Beautiful cluster of images Chris. Freds.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Freds. Certainly a wonderful way to relax. I always enjoy being close to water. Oceans abd rivers do it for me.

Chris

[Robert Haigh]

Oh, don't we all love such days! Forget our cares, as we sit with a drink and take in pleasant surroundings, watching the world go by! Whether it be on our doorstep or in some exotic place, we can all do exactly that! Just sit, enjoy and slowly breathe! Perfectly (and poetically) described, Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your lovely review Robert. Pity more days aren't like that. Certainly had a relaxing visit to the harbour. Will pay you a visit later. Hope all is well.

Chris

[Robert Haigh]

Thank you, Chris. A bit under the weather with a cold and a cough (not Covid), but otherwise OK.

[Chris Shaw]

Hope you feel better soon Robert. Take care.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Such a great scene set with marvelous details. I can taste the salt and feel the sun. I can almost see the memories you saw. Fabulous, Chris.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Winston, you are so kind when it comes to my scribbles. It was a lovely experience. Enjoyed so much sitting harbourside enjoying the morning sun. Simple pleasures. Thank you muchly.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... sitting outside The Crown and Anchor....
It must be Relaxing... your poem has a way of feeling the
"tug" when your Boat moves. Wishing you Gale Winds that are
calm and safe. gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

So relaxing was this setting Pat. Watching the world and the boats drift past in the sunshine. Thank you for your visit dear friend.

Chris

[Relic]

We need to relax like this once in a while. To take in what is peaceful and reflect.

Nice writing, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tim. Making the most of some late sunshine. Good to see you. Hope all is well in your world. Not seen you around for sometime. All the best.

Chris

[Relic]

Been busy. I'll try t come by more often if I can. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased that you have been busy and nothing else like ill health :)

[Relic]

No, my goal is to become more healthy through right eating and exercise and I'm doing pretty well so far. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Well done you. Nice bit of positive thinking there :)

[Relic]

I guess I'm learning from my father's mistakes. :)

[Chris Shaw]

:).................

[Relic]

................. 😁

[John the Baptist]

Sounds like a relaxed moment of reflection captured. In the hectic pace our days sometimes take, such moments should be treasured, especially with the help of coffee and brandy. I prefer a glass of cabernet, but the effect is the same.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John. A moment on a recent holiday. One that I will cherish for sometime. Yes, relaxing and enjoying the ambience of the harbour and the warmth of both the sun and the people. The brandy went well with the coffee :)

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

nice chris, seems you are enjoying the onslaught of autumn much than I am to date

[Chris Shaw]

Been on holiday Ken. Sadly back home now, but I enjoyed very much my week away. Lovely weather. Thanks for checking this one out.

Chris

[Neville]

We could all do with a few moments such as this .. idyllic springs to mind and so well captured Chris.
Neville

[Chris Shaw]

You know Neville, this was a little bit of bliss. Back home now after a week away. I needed the rest. Thanks for checking this one out :)

Chris