Along Cornish Coast

Cherry

By skinner_jennifer

Tue, 09 Aug 2022
  • 1734 reads
15 comments
 

Dear diary...

after reading Marinda's poem –

Night Whispers, I felt inspired

to capture a memory of my

younger days... which I

always enjoy writing.

 

It was 1973 and I was nineteen,

driving down to Cornwall with

a friend in my first nifty white

Hillman Imp, with just £5.00

in my pocket.

 

Petrol was just 35p a gallon

back then, but that £5.00

managed to last us the

whole week.

 

This is the poem I had fun writing.

 

Transported back to teenage years,

those treasured times that were

sublime; rippling off oceans swell,

taking pleasure without concern

along outstretched sand; we

meandered hand in hand.

 

That week we were teased by

tumbling waves, gesture of

motion gently stirring;

bathing with incoming tide,

wrapped around our bodies,

and craggy rock formations;

that peeped above undulation,

 

collapsing – rising; falling

and draping, a flowing mantle

emanating harsh formations;

of time elapsed boulders

configurations.

 

Spent a day and night on Newquay

beach...observing surfers with

bleached blonde hair; while

breathing in salty air. Laughing –

fantasizing about traveling to far

distant lands that beckoned,

 

 

seeking; weathering all waspish

irritation – but now I realize it

was free spirit longing; sadly

never to be...when seeds fall,

blown on zephyrs breeze;

we kindred souls would find

release.

 

Wandering into St Ives bay,

watching artists with observant

eyes...but nothing much to say,

armed with easels – brushes and

canvas; we were so amazed at

their on going talents. Breakers

rolling in; while gulls perched

on wall, children built castles

along seashore.

 

Remembering evening's water

colour dreams; with bottle of

cider, drinking in unwinding

atmosphere; camping on empty

beach we lit cosy fire;

 

with drowsy sun going down,

we waited till moon's beguiling

silhouette cast reflections on

peaceful briny resound. That night

we fell asleep under stars so bright;

to sound of ocean wishing us

a goodnight.

 

But money always got in the

way, which meant we had to

cut short our stay; we desired it

would never draw to a close,

but week finally came to an end

along Cornish coast.

 

Photo is my own.

Certificate U
Poem
Dear Diary
Travel
Biography
Journal
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by airyfairy on

It's always so lovely when one person's work inspires another. This is magical, Jenny - and it took me back, too! Oh those days when, as you say, a fiver would last you for days. I haven't been to Cornwall since I was a child, but your poem has made me feel that a return visit is long overdue. 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Isn't Cornwall such a lovely part of the world. I remember having so much energy back then. I hope you manage to get a return visit, I'm sure those shores would be so welcoming. wink

Thank you so much for reading and the appreciated comment.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

You bring the drowsy days to sight, and the waves and sand and sunshine. And then the down-to-earth bump at the end, when even in those days, the money suddenly is running out! And daily life and work probably had to be picked up after the relaxation. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

you caught the scene of that holiday and what I was trying to say perfectly. That night on Newquay beach was quite special, it was so warm and the sky clear. Even driving was a pleasure back then. Me and my Hillman Imp traveled many miles, it gave me my independence which I'll always be thankful for.

It's very kind of you to read and I'm grateful for your thoughts.

Thank you.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by celticman on

money does always get in the way, but you've had your say and we're all the better for that day. 

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

thank you for the read and sharing your thoughts. Money did seem to go a lot further back then. I think I could actually enjoy a dip in the sea at the moment, it's so hot. Hope you're managing to keep as cool as possible.

Take care.

Jenny. smiley

 

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

I love your diary entries, Jenny. You may not have had the money but you made your life very rich, and I am so grateful to you for sharing your memories

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

you know we never had bank cards back then, so the cash you had would have to last. We lived on blackberries and mushrooms, but I recall we enjoyed bread rolls in St Ives, and on the way home we had a bag of chips each which was a real luxury...seems strange to say that now, but I do remember they tasted so good. yes

Glad you enjoy reading my dear diary moments. I certainly loved writing this one, being back in the moment and being able to share.

Many thanks.

Jenny. smiley

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Thank you so much for the cherries Editors. smiley It was fun writing this memory, but made even more special receiving the fruit.

Jenny. 

 

Submitted by marandina on

Another lovely recollection. Petrol 35p a gallon - imagine that! Enjoyed this latest diary entry and chuffed that you connected this with a piece of my work. Very honoured indeed. Paul x

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

It was strange how everything about your poem bought, my ghosts of the past to come tumbling back into my mind...that week especially.

Many thanks for reading and taking the time to let me know your thoughts. Glad it worked.

Jenny. smiley 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Ah, the Good old days, Jenny. What lovely memories to resurrect and described so beautifully.
i too remember the cost of petrol in those days. I never had a car but I had a   Honda 50 scooter and £ 5.00 would really go a long way. 

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Good old days they were I agree. I think we had it made back then, traveling was far less stressful, and I can imagine you must have had many pleasant rides on your Honda 50 Scooter.  

I'm glad you enjoyed reading this memory of mine, it was certainly fun going back in time, if only in my mind. wink

Thank you so much for reading and letting me know.

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by Ray Schaufeld on

Delicious poem, Jenny. Next year I plan to steward at Boardmasters festival, you prompt me to plan to grab a piece of Cornish magic for myself!

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

That's wonderful Ray, I'm so glad I've inspired you to visit Cornwall, there's so much wildness that really gives you that feeling of inspired energy. Thank you for reading, and good luck at the Boardmasters festival...and of course the magic of Cornwall. wink

Take care.

Jenny.