When the boat has sailed.

When the boat has sailed

The harbour left empty 

Like the mountains

Veiled,

From the land of plenty

I will then think of you

As the grey mist settles 

Across the fading blue 

And flowers became nettles.

I was close to the sea

When the call came through.

So I know how it feels,

To look into the gloom. 

And there are bells 

That will peal.

And often for whom, 

Those who we love ,

As they leave this life’s room.

But as the mist fills the valley

And clouds cover the moon,

Her heart soars to the mountain,

And away from the tomb. 

For Evelyn 

27th June 2024

 

My Father's Son

When I was still my Father’s son,

I would laugh And run Play in the sun When I was still my Father's son I would do all the things That could be done And it never used to spoil My fun Even if shoelaces Came undone Now I sit And watch them play And remind them all, “Never waste a day’. To laugh and sing, Come what may. That happiness, Truly, Is here to stay. And then I turn From the laughing sun To the the misty sea And the waves that come I softly hear, His comforting words “Away now , leave me” Your life’s begun. And then I know That where I am Although it's far From my native land Is firmly held within my hand And I am still my father’s son. Joseph Morriss Playa de la reunión. Laredo. 23rd June 2024

________________________________

Beside the path

 Here I sit

 In sight of the sea

The mountain at my back.

The rolling swell 

Speaks peace to me 

And I long 

To put down this sack

At times unsure 

Though old , not young 

And aware of what I Iack

But one thing told in my mother tongue

That keeps me on this track 

Is the gentle heart 

That does no wrong 

And his love 

Will not hold back. 

Like summer flowers 

Beside the path 

That smile as we walk along 

We leave behind 

The painful past 

And listen to the song.

Joseph 

15th June 2024

El Camino 

Cantabria