Guernsey

The passenger ship approaches Guernsey,

Picturesque Isle of Herm off the port side,

Old Castle Cornet full of history

The militia once defended with pride.

At anchor, a cruise liner in the bay

Ships tenders, like ants in comparison,

Bringing tourists ashore for the day, some

Will visit Fort George, the old garrison.

Standing to attention the stevedore cranes

Harbour walls embracing the yacht basin,

Fishing boats offload the catch of the day

To meet the ebbing tide they must hasten.

Locals having fun in their pleasure boats

Coming and going are the visiting yachts,

Diving cormorants hunt in the harbour

Flying high is the common guillemot.

A bump and a nudge the ferry makes fast,

Smiling passengers eagerly alight.

Off to the town with its cobbled high street

Flowers in bloom are a delightful sight.

One can feel the influence from France

Dan’s Le Pollet est le Petite Bistro,

Up from La Plaiderie a Sarnian dance

The accordionist swaying to and fro.

Narrow Cow Lane leads to the old harbour

Livestock once passed here for slaughter,

An arched entrance has long since gone

Once led to square riggers on the water.

Al fresco lunch at the Terrace Café

Amazing views to Herm, Jethou and Sark,

Local lobster’s the fresh catch of the day

Or a traditional dish of Guernsey Bean Jar.

Visit the museum of Victor Hugo

At Hauteville House his home in exile.

Poetic decorations, preserved, on show

Wonderful wall hangings of rich textiles.

The old quarter with its quaint narrow streets

Second hand wares and antiques on sale.

Alleyways twist and turn with steps so steep

Lamp light walks with many a ghostly tale.

© Julian Clarke 2017

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