Rediscovering the Lost Poetry of Childhood by Ca ne fait rien

[Leanne]

in the concrete rockpools
of wave-worn beach defences
tumbled pill boxes, tank traps,
I cradle fossilised fish scales
sea glass, the bones of dinosaurs
stanzas from prehistory
held in my palm.



Church bells ring a sailor’s knell
six fathoms deep
wrecked ships
rot under marker buoys.

Once, a man
walking the coast road to Out Newton
morning-times
saw the head-ends of coffins
protruding from the muddy cliff, jutting
out over the seething water below
brass plates glinting like gold teeth
sand-martins perched on vacant handles



and the kittiwakes shrill like children
collecting bones from the clay



The original poem and comments can be found here

[billy]

this one had came about because of a brave edit that worked magic.
good choice.

[billy]

i'm surprised this never got more feedback

[Leanne]

So am I, I loved it.

[rayheinrich]

i'm surprised this never got more feedback

it didn't need it, damn thing pretty much sang from the start.

[ChristopherSea]

What a seascape and image in the ocean excavating that old cemetery. Love the tie in and contrast between the marine fossils and human bones, as well. I was just discussing HP Lovecraft on the site and this could be one of his story covers. Great metaphor for the title, superb!

[tectak]

So am I, I loved it.

I never even bloody well saw it!

Gold dust runs through fingers, spread to nuggets trap.

i'm not sure, but i think i wrote that

Great poem, good choice Well done.
Best,
tectak

[Keith]

I read this when I first joined PPP and I still can't look at a cliff top without thinking of the line and looking for the coffins. This poem is one I will never forget. Keith

[billy]

it's a pity the poet is no longer with us

[Leanne]

I will see if I can hunt him down. Stef is a fantastic poet -- this is only one of several excellent offerings.

[billy]

fingers crossed