Wexford Shores (Dedicated to Nonie)
by Christopher H.Peake
When I stand in County Wexford looking out to
sea
I thank the Lord that he made Ireland and a little
space for me
There’s a touch of blue midst the white
clouds that swirl around
Whilst I am there taking snapshots on Wexford’s
ancient ground
I think of the many sailing ships that sank off
this county’s rugged coast And wonder if on a wild winter’s
night - could one return as a ghost?
I think too of the dead sailors and the families they left behind
I feel sometimes the Lord and the storms he created, they are
so unkind
There’s many a Wexford town and village
lost more than one son at sea Whilst they were out in their
fishing boats catching fish for folk like you and me
In the days some time ago when you could buy a
piece of fish for half a crown
Did you stop to say a silent pray tufferforever:
for fishermen so that they would not drown
The fishermen from the little ports around the
coastline of Irelands lovely isle
Have a tough life.
A friend drowns.
They search for him and cannot raise a smile
A Londoner, William Whiting, in 1860 wrote”Eternal
Father, strong to save....”
So when you’re warm in bed on a stormy night think of
the sailors battling with each wave.
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