Eyemouth Harbour

Eyemouth Harbour

The morning gulls are soaring
over Eyemouth, their calls break
upon the harbour wall, drowning
the murmur of a waiting sea.

I’m staring at the blue hull
of the “Heroine”, recalling
the faded black and white photos
that line the walls of cafe and pub.

A haven this was, back then,
ranks of full-masted fishing boats,
spectres of horses and fisherfolk
as they plied the harbour road.

Still, the essence of that Eyemouth
is still here, the odd boat tied                                                                             to rusted mooring rings, fishing nets
and creels piled in untidy heaps.

There’s the “Headwind”, cradled
in dry dock, all chipped paint, splinters
and memories. This place
won’t go down without a fight.

On the other side, a kiosk
invites me to “Feed the Seals”,
above my head, a battered sign
warns me “..not to feed the Gulls”.

 
Derek Ross