A Day Out at Walberswick

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Mon, 04 Mar 2019
  • 1762 reads
12 comments
 

I found this old photo
of my nephew Ben
but I don't remember
how old he was then.

I recall that crabbing
was his leisure pursuit.
He'd seen his dad do it
and he followed suit.

A drop line with bait
was what he did use,
a treat the crustaceans
would never refuse.

It was generally assumed
that it was a bit odd
that a young child would
be hunting decapods.

Some people believed
he might be rather coy
but all said that he was
a very sensitive boy.

When he caught a crab
he would show it to me
and then, unprompted,
put it back in the sea.

© Luigi Pagano 2019

Image: my own

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Brilliant poem that goes so well with the photo Luigi. Very much enjoyed reading about your nephew.

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

It was very long ago, Jenny. He is now a grownup and a father himself. 
Glad you like my recollection of that particular event.

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Is that the little bridge there? If so, I spent every summer as a child doing the exact same thing! 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

The very spot, Claudine. It was very popular with children at the time.

Luigi x

P.S. Thanks for the cherries. smiley

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

I think they hold the world crabbing championships there now, so the popularity hasn't waned!

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

That's what I heard. Unable to check as I live in the North West now. I feel nostalgic about the old hunting grounds.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Jane Hyphen on

This is very sweet. There can be few better activities for children than crabbing, especially f they return the little creatures like your nephew.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Jane, welcome.
I entirely agree with your assessment. Crabbing can be an entertaining and educational pastime for kids.
When done responsibly, it is an excellent way to introduce children to the marine ecology.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

A lovely story poem! I enjoyed so much.

also great rhyme odd/decapod :0) And the rhythm is perfect, simple and seeming free as the pleasure of  crabbing itself

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Many thanks for your appreciation, Di.
I find writing in rhyme much easier than in free verse. When I think of a word, my brain automatically searches for a rhyming equivalent and usually finds one.
Reading that a poem of mine has been enjoyed increases my motivation to further and, if possible, better poetry.

Luigi x

 

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

I find that so interesting! I struggle and struggle with rhymes. I WISH  I could be as you are as I think it makes words sing even without music - all my favourite poets rhyme. But in my stuff they read as awkward as they were to write. So, it's a treat to have your lovely poems

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I don't pretend to be an expert, Di but may be I can offer one or two tips. First of all don't worry too much.  From what I can see you are doing very well with your poems; they flow well and are rhythmic. In one I seem to have detected a couple of rhymes (away, yesterday). Don't try too hard as they may sound forced. See how you favourite poets manage, imitate their style and try to write a parody of one of their poems. I once parodied Pam Ayres and learned a lot from the experiment.
I am flattered by your interest in my writing. thanks.

Luigi x