Christmas Eve…
(From a painting of Penzance by Stanhope Forbes…)
The unmistakeable, grim church tower hovers beyond
Its interior, lit amber like fire, promising
A warm welcome in a stone cold nave
To the congregation, milling in a narrow lane
Outside the Dock Inn, beneath a gaslight, glowing
Orange too, matching the cosy warmth of firelight
Inside a dwelling opposite. And a band plays a seasonal
Carol, their brass tubas gleaming before the small audience.
A woman clutches at her shawl in a doorway, a fond
Memory dwelt upon perhaps, or simply reminiscing,
As solemn children listen and stoically behave.
An intrusive vendor sells his produce, maybe in vain
And the street’s short incline reveals folks going
About their lives, whilst a young housemaid, her apron white,
Converses with a sailor, his arms crossed, a personal
And perhaps covert moment, possibly illicit in essence…
Pete Ray
23rd December 2024…
The painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1897 and these days belongs to Brighton Art Gallery, although it was later damaged whilst being stored during WW2.
Funds were raised to conserve the piece…
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