A poem film commissioned for the Dark Side, Port Side project. https://vimeo.com/291387222
The Unfortunates
I was one of those –
when I washed up here in Southampton Row –
seventeen years old.
Though I suppose you could call me
a fortunate one – housed as I am
under the roof of the gentleman,
Mr Bright – to have a snooze-case for my head,
a flagon of ale to merry the senses.
How was I to know
I’d be sharing my bed? No-one said.
The one with the North Star tattooed on his chest –
he was the best.
My mother, harrowed soul, saw a crow
on the cradle the day I was born.
Betrothed to sorrow, I was – she said.
Nothing to do but turn your face
against these vile sea breezes,
the drunk Jack Tars, the grizzle-heads.
Tuesday I’ll go out with the girls and Mr Bright
to slaughter our pig in the yard.
Some days life’s not too hard.
Maggie Sawkins
(for Dark Side, Port Side – poem film and visitor trail project)
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