The Scratchers

The Scratchers

Stars start to fade at the coming of light
Faint colours appear in the sky
A Lark starts to sing for the morning sun
But a gull gives a raucous reply

Brightening skies now greet the day
As the town wakes up from it's sleep
Preparing to welcome the hunters back home
From a night spent out in the deep

Gulls start to circle and squawk overhead
Their cry sounding lost and forlorn
But a welcoming sound for those who wait
As their loved ones return with the morn

Far out on the distant horizon
Twinkling lights now start to appear
To a flickering dance in the dawning
Then a waltz as they draw ever near

There's an urgent beat to her engine
As the leading lights come into line
The race to be first is now over
Slowing down as she crosses the line

The crew pull down hard on the halyards
as the derrick lifts up to the sky
The catch swung ashore in their boxes
Then laid out for someone to buy

Auctioneers call out the bids to the floor
Watching closely the buyers around
With a winkof an eye , or a nod of the head
Goods bought without utter or sound

Horse and carts now lined up in rows
Patiently waiting to pick up their loads
Soon bound for places all over the land
Along highway and long dusty roads

Fish now ashore, the boat gently slips out
Now it's nearly the end of the chase
Load up with boxes move round to her berth
Always moored in her favourite place

With boats now replenished and ready for sea
The crews can head home for a sleep
Heads hit the pillow, but in no time at all
It is time to return to the deep.

Jim Campbell

This ane should go well with Cyril's photo of the Heather. Hope you like it applies tae ony herbour in Britain at that time

Very good Jim Brings back happy memories of days long gone

That poem Jim tells of when there wis a bit o' enjoyment at the job,nae log books tae fill in an aa the rest o' the bunff that goes with the job nooadays

Very true Wully

Another guid yin Mr.Campbell,as they say "it wid bring a tear tae a gless ee".Those were the days when men could go where they wanted,catch what they wanted and land it where they wanted,without the fear of being flung in the jile...changed days indeed.