The Harbour Mist

The Harbour Mist

Photo byJohn McArthur onUnsplash

I am reminded of a mild day in Newfoundland. 

The Canadian flag flies at half-mast.

On “The Rock” there is a precipitous starkness 

and bareness to the land.

The Harbour Mist, a fishing schooner

painted bright crimson and white

is tied to dock. 

The fishing run is over

for this year; optimistically, next

will be a better one for fishers who depend

on a living with less cod, lobster to obtain.

Her mast reaches the lucid, almost cloudless sky.

Grey buildings with dark roofs accept what sun

decides to shine. 

Wharfs surrounding them to unload the catch,

clean and filet the cod for the market at wait.

These buildings on stilts defy the sea which rises and falls 

with the tides. 

Sandy, clay shorelines incline to the still water

reflecting grey shadows on glassy blue.

A red steeple announces a small church

for Sunday prayer.

Weekdays for families of those

loved ones going to sea, knowing that, 

this special time.

With 50-pound turkeys and canners of veg 

feeding any neighbour who popped in.

A good, hard-working people, 

partying hard with kitchen musicians.

Sharing gifts of neatly wrapped packages 

And salted fish sent through the mail 

for a yearly treat. 

Homemade soups that warm the belly, are all yours 

when you are taken into their welcoming homes

and an ever-enlarging family.

…………………………………………………………………………

Shirley Langton 2020