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Writer's pictureLorna Lamon

The Ritual

A poem which I've written as tribute to an old fisherman's war story.


Seagull, sunset, flying over ocean.

A solitary figure on the beach

Lost in memories I cannot reach

Performance of an act from long ago

Behind you I feel emptiness in tow


Seagulls swoop to claim their prize

Their hunger brings your eyes alive

“Take this in memory of you”

Why does your voice ring out so true?


Just 21 when your ship went down

In the lifeboat many comrades drowned

Only two left, young souls had passed on

Silence is the somber narration, the quiet song


Close to death you heard the sound

Of Angel wings on high

You lifted up your failing arms

To pull the Angel from the sky


You used the flesh to nourish

A seagull saved your life

It lifted you on wings of hope

Far from fear and strife


Passing years have not dimmed your view

When so much was sacrificed by so few

This honour of giving the birds their due

Is your simple way of saying “Thank you”

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