after a few good days
it was inevitable
streets deserted
in the lashing rain
except for valiant
cyclists

but the town
ticks on
down in the docks
coasters load
and off load
the ferry turns around
regardless of the sea fog

it is though
a shadow of its
former glories
fishing
whaling
timber
from the Baltics
the canal to
Leeuwarden and beyond
heavy burdened
with barges

in an old hotel
where I took shelter
grainy
black and white
sepia photos
of constant labour
streets blocked by carts
kids scallywagging
now the yachts of the rich
moor and feed
the many restaurants
converted warehouses

I was stopped
in my meanders

surely I know that tune

one of the crew was
whistling
to himself
Liverpool sea shanties
tunes from my childhood

suddenly it felt
not so cold

he saw me smile
he smiled too

recognition

06/16/2011