H'work for w/e 5.10.20 ... ON THIS DAY

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Maureen K Clifford
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H'work for w/e 5.10.20 ... ON THIS DAY

Post by Maureen K Clifford » Fri Sep 18, 2020 2:16 pm

ON THIS DAY ... Maureen Clifford © The #ScribblyBarkPoet

On this day he took a photo from a high and windy hill,
took the shot across the harbour, captured rooftops red and still,
far below all to and froing, were the ferries and the tugs
harbour 'water beetles' going 'bout their business like small bugs.

Distant hillsides slumbered softly 'neath the gray somnolent clouds
that were clustered o'er the harbour like old sailing ship's shrouds,
whilst a feeble ray of sunshine, tried to force it's way on through
to bring just a touch of brightness to the somewhat gloomy view.

Two steel shoulders teetered upwards from stone stanchions at their base,
reaching skywards to the heavens, seemingly balanced in space.
The framework was crisscross girders whilst two cranes were there for hoist,
all by morning mists still coated - slippery and dewdrop moist.

And some claim that before sunrise, if one listened one could hear
voices of those lost ones calling out to those they'd loved so dear.
Those souls entombed in concrete, those crushed by steel and stone.
Pray, who here now remembers? Who will for their deaths atone?

Only sixteen workers died it's claimed - some claim they're not alone.
Only two were killed by falling - others crushed by capping stone
as they slept in drunken stupour in the corner of the pier
they went unnoticed by others little knowing death was near.

Sealed forever at the bottom of our mighty tower bridge
stretching o'er our harbour waters like a perfect running stitch.
A ghost hunter bought from England for the opening ceremony
advised they ask a lot of people to dilute the acrimony.

They invited all of Sydney - it was such a grand affair
but the souls sealed in the towers never got a mention there.
There are none who mourn their passing, there are few who know their tale
over 90 years have been and gone - it's quite beyond the pale.

Dust to dust, ashes to ashes - for doubtless that's all remains.
Is it truth or just a legend ? ... None can see the old bloodstains.
Now there's hundreds climb that bridge each year - their safety paramount.
Each one that ventures up is known - each tour has a body count.

Some workers, when they cross the bridge, sprinkle a little wine
as sacrifice to sixteen souls who lost their place in time.
A type of Pagan service to those souls who passed before
who now guard Sydney's harbour from two shores for evermore.
Check out The Scribbly Bark Poets blog site here -
http://scribblybarkpoetry.blogspot.com.au/


I may not always succeed in making a difference, but I will go to my grave knowing I at least tried.

Terry
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Re: H'work for w/e 5.10.20 ... ON THIS DAY

Post by Terry » Sun Sep 20, 2020 1:56 pm

That's a really lovely poem Maureen, very Lawson like IMO.
You have really captured the moment and told your story well.

I haven't started mine yet (been busy) but know what I want to write.

Terry

Neville Briggs
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Re: H'work for w/e 5.10.20 ... ON THIS DAY

Post by Neville Briggs » Mon Sep 21, 2020 2:30 pm

Interesting sort of narrative poem Maureen, I had never heard of the practices of dealing with spirits at the harbour bridge.
Neville
" Prose is description, poetry is presence " Les Murray.

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Catherine Lee
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Re: H'work for w/e 5.10.20 ... ON THIS DAY

Post by Catherine Lee » Mon Sep 21, 2020 8:13 pm

A very stirring poem, Maureen, and so interesting. I'd not heard of the practices either so found it a fascinating and moving read, several times over! This is really well done.

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Shelley Hansen
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Re: H'work for w/e 5.10.20 ... ON THIS DAY

Post by Shelley Hansen » Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:34 pm

Well done Maureen ... you’ve illuminated history yet again!

Like Terry, I know what I want to write, but haven’t made the transition from concept to completion yet!
Shelley Hansen
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"Look fer yer profits in the 'earts o' friends,
fer 'atin' never paid no dividends."
(CJ Dennis "The Mooch o' Life")

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Maureen K Clifford
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Re: H'work for w/e 5.10.20 ... ON THIS DAY

Post by Maureen K Clifford » Sun Sep 27, 2020 9:09 am

Thank you everyone - greatly appreciate you reading and commenting :D
Check out The Scribbly Bark Poets blog site here -
http://scribblybarkpoetry.blogspot.com.au/


I may not always succeed in making a difference, but I will go to my grave knowing I at least tried.

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