Poems written by Peter Gibbs over 60 years, inspired by romance, travel, the beauty of nature, emotions and family and friends - peterspoetry.co.uk
Cruising on The Waverley
Great paddles churning water
The Waverley drew near
More passengers there waiting
On lovely Clevedon Pier
The Welsh from Penarth all aboard
But still free spaces found
As the ropes were all cast off
And she was outward bound
The coastline dimly visible
Steep Holm lost in heat haze
The chatter rising from the decks
To launch the best of days
Along the coast she travelled
Her passage so serene
No dolphins in the Channel
But surfaced submarine
Heading on she voyaged
Beneath a dome of blue
Hills and harbours passing
A panoramic view
Past Woody Bay and towering cliffs
The tallest in the land
The Waverley so steady
A day out she'd made grand
At Ilfracombe a welcome -
Town crier there to say
"We're very pleased to see you -
"Oyez, oyez, oyez!
His only plea to visitors
"Wherever you may roam
"Enjoy our town's attractions
"But take a seagull home"
The journey back enlivened
As landmarks on the way
Were detailed with their history
At end of perfect day
A final call at Penarth
Then time to disembark
And stroll back to the Toll House
Amidst the gathering dark.
