CULLERCOATS, HALF REMEMBERED
Cullercoats, a saveloy dip
& a kiss behind Spuggie Hall.
Airwaves bristle over Marconi Point,
whispered sweet-nothings,
& a brisk north-easterly.
Old men shelter from the cold.
Simpson Street, deserted,
only the castaway wrapper
of a fish & chip supper
running with the wind.
Yesterday`s news, vinegar-soaked,
salt on a fisherman`s tongue.
Across the bay lights flicker,
shingle whistles
& the constant turn of tide.
The stench of seaweed.
A cluster of folk seek comfort
in the parlour of the Newcastle Arms,
smoke-filled & a gossip-monger`s retreat.
Somewhere down a half-forgotten lane
a dog barks.
