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new years

by Peter Humphreys

the fog
when it came
did not creep
nor roll
down the mountain
it emerged
as if up
from the bog
out from the bushes
sheltering our home
down through the branches
of the elders and yews
silencing the wren
the blackbirds
and even the old crows
who sat on the roof top
like shameless priests
as the rook walked
up and down the meadow
short beside our house
like a vicar searching
for a flock to preach to
and the sheep
down in the nether field
silently gathered
as the cows moaned
and sat down
midst thistle and thorn
to glean the grass
'fore milking time
yes
emerge it did
and I wondered
just wondered
about the souls at sea
down by the foreshore
checking pots and nets
unaware of dangers
landward
not seaward
the light house
moaned its warning
the silence otherwise
was deathly
but me and mine
were at least
sure safe
as I sat by the fire
sparking with new turf
and said a prayer
just to myself
for the new years
to come and
the old year near gone
I lit my pipe
and hummed

12/28/2009

Posted on 12/28/2009
Copyright © 2024 Peter Humphreys

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Clara Mae Gregory on 12/28/09 at 05:14 PM

Happy New Year a little early, Peter! Thank you for sharing this wonderful slice of your life as you prepare for a new and wonderous year and reflect back on the passing one. Your words are such a pleasure to read. :)

Posted by Gregory O'Neill on 12/28/09 at 08:38 PM

I always appreciate you contemplations and a chance to meditate upon your ideas and images myself. This poem is no exception. Health and peace to you in the new year nearly now upon us. Go raibh maith agat.

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 12/28/09 at 11:49 PM

There is enough of the Oregon coast feel in this that I can lose myself in this fog and know the sensation of little droplets gathering on my nare hairs. The animals add much to this, especially the crow as shameless priests lines, and one does wonder about the souls about in the fog on both sides of the veil. I am heartened by your safe-inside images and loved the fact that you are humming. Thank you. fav+

Posted by Tony Whitaker on 12/29/09 at 03:33 AM

I feel like sitting down to do a little Transcendental Meditation after reading this jewel.
Jai Guru Dev Om and may you have a wonderful 2010 !

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 01/01/10 at 05:05 PM

Perfect POTD, Peter!

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