Poetry International Poetry International
Poem

Polly Clark

ISLAY

ISLAY

ISLAY

Thirty years ago, I’m sure you lifted
your eyes from her shore, and your gaze
drifted to this rock on the mainland
where I stand remembering you –

as today the marina, when my husband
glimpsed the Innisfree, a boat he knew
long ago. Someone had made her new,
polished the years from her gleaming bow.

He fell silent as she pulled out to sea.
Just like that I think you’d know me now
as if the ocean, the islands, the sun between,
and all we love more had never been.
Close

ISLAY

Thirty years ago, I’m sure you lifted
your eyes from her shore, and your gaze
drifted to this rock on the mainland
where I stand remembering you –

as today the marina, when my husband
glimpsed the Innisfree, a boat he knew
long ago. Someone had made her new,
polished the years from her gleaming bow.

He fell silent as she pulled out to sea.
Just like that I think you’d know me now
as if the ocean, the islands, the sun between,
and all we love more had never been.

ISLAY

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