Portland Bill Boats

Cliffs fall sheer to swell
Rising and falling
Swirling at the base.
Seagulls yell and glide
Flotsam in eddy.

Wooden structures stand
Like ancient gallows
Along the cliff tops.
Winches, wire, shackles
All very ready

Fisher proud in boat
Jersey, grubby cap
Swings out over brine
Rattle, rapid clank.
Down it goes to sea.

Splash and chains unhooked
Oars in pinions safe
Fisherman with stack
Of old pots and buoys
Rows in search of crabs.

Martin Delemare
31st July 2006