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Pilgrim Fathers
by Peter HumphreysI have never
seen
the Thames
so low
down
on the foreshore
at the foot
of Peter's Hill
the remnants
of old jetties
rise
black
through
the low tide mud
as the beach
is combed
for its
reluctant treasures
a cloud of fog
ancient mist
brings chill
to spines
and still sharp
memories
to the scene
as building tops
are lost to sky
and edgings close
around us
we moor upon
the Southwark wharf
sails set
but lamely
windless
where is Thy wind
where is the storm
where is the breath from Heaven
for we are set
on new worlds o'er
and nothing can detain us
our hearts are bold
our spirits high
in faith
for hope
we journey
01/15/2009
Author's Note: In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America. The story begins before then however. In 1586 a group of people were sent to The Clink for refusing to obey the Religious Laws of Elizabeth 1. The dissenters founded a prison church under the guidance of John Greenwood, a clergyman, and Henry Barrowe, a lawyer. They called themselves 'Independents'. In 1592 Greenwood, Barrowe and John Penry gained a temporary reprieve and began meeting at a house in Southwark and gathered an Independent (Congregational) Church. However the reprieve was short-lived and all three were executed in 1593. Remaining members of the group continued to meet in secret and, in 1620, some members of the Southwark Church were given permission to sail to America. It was this group who went on The Mayflower.
Posted on 01/15/2009
Copyright © 2024 Peter Humphreys
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Gabriel Ricard on 01/15/09 at 03:57 PM Compellingly, richly written. |
| Posted by George Hoerner on 01/15/09 at 05:33 PM Ah, Peter you touch a man's soul with this one. I've walked along the Thames in London and never saw it as clearly as I see it reading this piece. These people so long ago gave so much and we have nearly trashed it to death. I thank you for this write. May it remind us of our birth place and take the time to restore it. |
| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 01/15/09 at 11:14 PM A fine remembrance of those times, the last two stanzas at the heart of those brave, determined people. |
| Posted by Gregory O'Neill on 01/16/09 at 02:06 AM I enjoyed this very much, terrific read. It has an added appeal for me since their religous leader William Brewster, and shipmate Thomas Pence, were both 12x great-grandfathers. I'll print and share this. Thanks you, Peter. |
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