The boat is a crucial link for the Island, it’s a lifeline for the Island as it not only brings passengers but supplies and communications from the mainland. One Autumn day, I sat watching the boat arrive at the Jetty, I penned a few observational notes, what follows is the result.
I watch and wait as she arrives, from Bideford she set sail
MS Oldenburg, 230 passengers, Luggage, supplies and mail.
Sitting still I watch, from my little sheltered spot
I question and wonder….who will be the first off?
With The beach road ahead, It’s a challenging climb
Enjoyed by the fittest, but for some it’s a dread
They pass me by on steps by the track
An old fishing place, rocky ruins of a shack
With the sun on my face, I settle back and lie
Receiving cheery Hello’s, from passer bys
Wrapped in scarves and hats, It must have been cold at sea
These clothes they will shed, When for the hill they head
A family with a picnic, they are in for a trek
A birder dressed in green, binoculars round his neck
A smiling lady, with a few days away
Alone in a cottage, away from the fray
Families with teenagers, dragging their heels
Searching for 3G, they are oblivious of the seals
A couple with a baby on their back, jackets already off,
they are ready for the climb, It’s all uphill on a very steep track
Here comes a camper, carrying his own tent
Sleeping in a field, will cut down his rent
A grey haired couple, they are Holding hands
Recounting their last visit, to this granite land
Next comes the land rover, Hugging the edge of the rock
People startle and scurry, they need to move over
A man with Tilly hat, walking boots and big socks
The sound of Waterproofs swish past, as he walks between the rocks
A rainbow of waterproofs, comes along next
A clutch of Students ready to research, excited there is now wifi at church
A case on wheels rumbles on up, creating a noise on its way to the top
I think the steep climb, will result in lots of stops.
Just then a lady shouts ‘Hello Jane’, fancy seeing you
A lady from Barnstaple, at last Someone I knew
Meanderlings 