MOUSEHOLE, FROM JULIE ADLARD'S CLAY COLLAGE PICTURE...

 Mousehole…

(from Julie Adlard’s clay collage picture…)

There's a tallness about it,

As if the buildings are on tiptoe,

Stretching clear of rough seas, frenzied tides

And violent winter weather…

There’s a quaint austerity about it,

As if time has been bleached away;

Sunset smothers scarlet roofs with deep pinks

And fiery hues fused together…

There’s a quiet fascination about it,

As if its kaleidoscope quay walls

Harbour memories, with steep steps, flimsy ladders

And vessels tightly tethered…

There’s a disorder about it,

As if quayside boats are strewn pieces

From a board game, abandoned haphazardly

And awaiting tidy hands to gather…

There’s a beauty about it,

As if it will draw you in, helplessly

With leaning oars and paddles, lurid amber nets

And dinky lobster pots, dotted about, unbothered…

Mousehole’s wide harbour steps

Into its intriguing past entice:

Herring and pilchards,

Seiners and luggers

And a salient peace, unique and concise… 

Pete Ray