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Open Poetry #35
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Wreckers and the Eddystone
| Open Poetry #35 |
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Wreckers and the Eddystone |
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Corinne Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167state of confusion 
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Off the Plymouth Coast, where wind and water meet, a streaming swirl overlaps the lunar pull, rough rhythms hidden inside a triple reef of red: the Eddystone. And before beacons lit the course, before horns sounded the way home, ships were lost to the rocks. Families combed the shores, collecting what was found in the wake. At first, it was enough to kneel in prayer for moonless nights and treasured dawns. When the sight of a ship’s safe passage drew anger, the town rushed – to their pubs and churches, and after casks of ale and shipwrecked-brandy had been drunk, and once the priest had been dragged from his bed, someone, perhaps a man sitting quietly in the shadows, raised his cup and voice above the din. He planted a thought, small at first; and at the start, to loud protestations. With nurturing, more wine and time, the idea eventually swirled above the crowd like a sign from God. It was blessed by the priest, toasted by the barkeep, until word spread across the Isles: it was deemed both right and rite. In the morning, the town rose. With blind eyes, they organized. Wolf Rock’s familiar howl was silenced by boulders rolled from the cliff. False signal fires were lit, and lanterns were hung on horses’ tails -- as lights from another vessel. God must have approved, because rewards magically washed ashore -- cargo to furnish parlors, crimson silks to cover beds, mahogany for strong houses and fences. And on one golden day, silver coins were sifted from sand. Bodies also rolled in with the tide. Survivors became slaves or were killed for luck. When reason finally ascended, it was in the form of light. [This message has been edited by Corinne (02-15-2005 10:06 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2005 Corinne - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Corinne Sad but true, enjoyed the read. |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Very much enjoyed reading this, however sad.  .....jo |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
A very interesting and smooth read! This really got me thinking! Sadm but very much enjoyed, miscellanea |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Even light can be held up to black deeds... Excellent story, Corinne. At first I thought I was in for a different sort of ride, but that is the thrill of you... always surprising... |
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