Wednesday night cocktail
Memories of a journey north
Cocktail bar, Wednesday night.
Quiet, contemplate, subdued light.
Waiter fixes a mean Negroni.
The meaner the better, I tell him, only
I saw the Campari bottle and guessed
That this bitter drink would be blessed
With memories of cocktails past,
A journey taken when l last
Visited old Durham town,
To see the prison, walk around
Red sandstone walls, reflecting
The Cathedral’s lofty, stately towers.
I could see them from the restrooms.
Glorious vista, one hill to another,
A view from one house of sinners
To the other.
Should I ever visit again,
This sacred city, I would own
To bow my head and say
Farewell thee, Durham town,
The saints you cradle,
Call to me.
O ~ o ~
Kelsey House Cocktail Bar, Beckenham
Above: A Negroni cocktail. Campari, gin, sweet vermouth.
Durham Cathedral houses the remains of Saint.Cuthbert, the Venerable Bede, St Oswald, St. Boisil, St. Edbert, St. Ethilwold, and St. Edfrith.
Roger Whittaker ~ Durham Town (1969)
More poetical puff from Beckenham's best bard
Thanks for reading
About the Creator
Raymond G. Taylor
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
Keep reading
More stories from Raymond G. Taylor and writers in Poets and other communities.
If You Love Me, You'll Do It
I met Jason when I was five years old. I could say that I loved him from the moment I saw him. He was so handsome to me and I felt in awe by his presence. When they introduced him as the new kid in school, I wanted to be his friend right away. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember his smile and how he didn't seem shy. He appeared confident and ready to learn. I waved at him and said "hello," before anyone else could even say a word. He sat next to me, and I asked him if he wanted to be friends. He looked so happy as he said, "Yes!"
By Sidney Smith (Sid Smith)7 days ago in Fiction
Comments (5)
Oooo, har cocktail looks so good. Loved your poem!
The view from one cathedral to another, both filled with those who claim to be penitent & a few who truly are.
Gorgeously-penned Raymond!
Very atmospheric, Raymond, I loved this little poem.
So visual!!! Well done, friend! <3