Twilight Poem by Adrian Murphy

My eyes catch the sea’s silken shimmer as it gently laps the harbour wall.
Fishermen effortlessly casting their rod in search of a catch, as sailboats silently slip into harbour, today’s adventure ended.
Playful voices of children echoing all around, grabbing the last few moments of sunshine and stretching the patience of tiring parents.
Air infused with the tang of salt and vinegar steaming off countless helpings of fish and chips and the unmistakable smell of the sea.
Golden haired toddlers, gingerly waddling alongside proud mums and dads, their sticky fingers eagerly digging candyfloss from proffered bags.
Teenage girls squealing and giggling as they play in the fountain; for a brief moment, seaside madness conquering their shyness.
Curious boys nervously loitering, nonchalantly taking in the scene.
Lovers’ young and old sit side by side, hands snugly clasped, basking in the dying embers of the sun, willing the day to go on forever.
Seagulls, bickering noisily like hundreds of long suffering old couples fighting over the duvet as they settle down for the night.
Boats nodding, asleep for the night, their rigging chiming a chorus.
Houses all around bathed in a warm russet hue as the sunset fades.
The sound of laughter, chatter and the clinking of wine glasses drifting through the stillness, as the night takes hold.
Embracing this glimpse of summer, we sit on the edge of silence, bidding farewell to the sun and as one welcoming the night.


August 11 2009