We switched off the lights and turned to look towards the flat calm sea.
The moon lit up the night sky and bathed the sea in silver, picking out the red and green navigational lights like sparkling jewels placed in the water, showing a safe passage for small boats to move underway, into the bay and out to sea. It was breathtaking.
A special moment to remember!
2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by Travis Leery on Unsplash
Tossed to the left!
Tossed to the right!
When I think I've got your rhythm, mister, you quickly slip in another vicious twister.
I'm lost; I can't get it right!
On land, I've seen the pattern, as drunks weave their way home from the pubs.
But honestly, alcohol I have yet one drop to sup.
Still, I'm tossed to the left and then to the right!
I'm lost; I can't get it right!
I've looked forward to this voyage, for rest, relaxation, and gentle perambulation.
To dress in new creations and sparkle like a toff.
The reality is my muscles ache, with the strain of maintaining, my balance and preventing you, from tossing me to the floor again.
I'm lost; I can't get it right!
The menu is quite extensive and tempting to the eye.
Each time I think it's safe now to eat, to give food another try.
But as I stand to leave the table, my stomach's on the move.
It's tossed to the left and tossed to the right!
I'm lost!
I can't get it right!
So come on Mr. Neptune!
What have I got to do?
To change your playgrounds, monstrous waves to a mill pond's glassy gentle hue.
Maybe then I would learn, the art of standing feet apart, admiring incredible views of you.
Then I'll be okay, I'll have got it right in partnership with you.
2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Arriving at the station boarding the night sleeper, trying to keep my excitement in check.
Arranging my belongings before creeping into my berth for a rest. Waiting for the steam release and whistle as the great train importantly pulled away,
Leaving the grime of the city behind, to spend time with the family on a short holiday. We were off, and as the speed increased I started to shake and roll.
The clatter of wheels on rails finally lulled me off to sleep, to be gently awoken by the steward with a nice cup of tea. Advising me of my arrival time, that was when the excitement hit.
Home to the Highlands of Scotland, to share stories, laughter and love with those so close to me.
The train slowly drew into the station, I slid down the window it was still dark.
The smell of smoke and the cold highland air hit me, as I gazed trying hard to see, the vision of my father standing there ready to welcome me.
As we hugged each other, the guard blew his whistle and waved his lamp, before the train gathered speed and clattered off into the dark.
Leaving us to cross the bridge with my case in silence, as the dawn birds began to awaken to have their say.
We drove home to our family cottage, where we were all going to stay for Christmas. A family Christmas near perfect and one I would never forget.
2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Where canal boats plied their trade,
Men puffed on pipes and cargo moved
Women knitted scarves, hats and gloves,
While stirring hot soups and drop scones made.
Information passed between boats of work to be had.
Laughter dwindled as they slowly made their way.
Those were the days some clung on too .
Remembered in many a jaunty song.
2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
There was a table for two next to us which was occupied by an Italian American gentleman who I can only describe as a larger-than-life sort of character and his charming companion. He wore glasses and an extraordinary amount of real or gold chains.
Attached to one was a gold-coloured motor launch about three inches long and two wide, which swung across his vast chest. It was a replica of one he once had, apparent diamond rings abounded on almost every finger and equally flashy apparent diamond and gold bracelets.
He said he had been a millionaire and lost two fortunes. He appeared to know everyone you mentioned. He had owned a hotel and managed a restaurant, fed Hilary Clinton when she was younger with pizzas.
He was very critical of almost everything to do with the ship and was a regular torment to the waiters, and restaurant managers. His companion was delightful and tried to dampen down his excesses, with a very small degree of success.
That is what I like about cruising you meet some nice people and some much larger than you think real life can possibly produce. Yet they are very real!
We went to bed early on our first night, as we were exhausted, still suffering from jet lag and excitement.
The next day we arrived at our first port of call. My husband and I had been to Key West several years ago and we're looking forward to seeing it again. Have I needed to buy some sturdy flip-flops?
Once ashore my husband too found something he needed. He became a David Bailey student as he played with his new video camera. We should hopefully have some interesting films to look at, at the end of the cruise.
We enjoyed our walkabout and the browse in the shops, plus a tea break and a slice of delicious Key lime pie. If you have never tried it, do. There were some very expensive yachts moored in the harbour. One I coveted was a smaller version of the Britannia. Roll on the lottery.
We ambled our way back on board, for another cup of tea minus cake, as our next exertion was to prepare ourselves for the last main meal of the day. Having said that, late-night revellers, had other options of chips, sausages and burgers.
We managed to avoid those as we made our way to our cabin, to prepare ourselves for the next day´s adventures.
2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by Jannik on Unsplash
Why are boats nowadays, bobbing on shortened anchor chains, sails tightly furled and lashed away?
Where are the sailors waiting to answer the pull of the oceans?
Both are impatient to be free of the virus running rife.
Allowing them to return to life and freedom, they both once knew and loved.
© 2024 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Anna Almeida
Arriving at the station, historic it is true, there you wait in shining splendour for passengers new. Some have never travelled before in the age of steam now gone, so they board you with excitement, awaiting that rush of steam, joined by your whistle-blowing, saying it is time to move away.
Slowly metal creaks on metal as carriages you tug behind. Gathering speed with each puff of steam and traction on the line. A comforting chuffing sound with the odd whistle hoot, tells us you are travelling at the right speed and on time.
Through your old-fashioned carriages, folks can mingle chat, laugh and pass. Exchanging pleasantries about the journey and the countryside slipping past. Children are being held on to as they stick their heads out the window, blowing their hair and laughing away in excitement as we travel on. Sadly no longer allowed now it is true.
Around a bend, a station comes into view and you start slowing, applying your brakes till you shudder to an abrupt creaking settling stop.
Passengers who want to leave the train, stand up to hop off, allowing others to hop on. Your whistle blows and your billowing steam tells us we are about to depart again.
Reaching your final destination, I reluctantly say goodbye, but I will be back on another occasion for you to give me another exciting grand steam train ride.
© 2024 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Climb aboard tough times ahead.
Trim the sails, and haul the anchor swiftly aboard.
Passengers we carry strong they have to be, truthful, honoured, respectful, kind, and protective.
Cast off away from the foul weather that impedes progress, knowing we will survive if we remain solidly together.
No false maps to follow, of treasure easy to find.
We are aiming for a better future for those we have left behind.
Sail fast compass true, no deviation on the path essential to take.
It is for the survival of humanity that this journey we must make.
Otherwise, there will be a tragic shipwreck from which many will fail to wake.
© 2024 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
The first sight of the ship always brings excitement to me and there she was painted white, with yellow stacks.
The ‘Romantica’ looked enormous as though she was built with more above the waterline than below. The wonders of aluminum I am told. She was going to be our home for two weeks touring the Caribbean, I wondered what adventures we would have together.
As I stood appraising her, a fleeting thought crossed my mind ‘Will the weather be kind?’ I was drawn out of my pondering by the need to proceed on board. We were very charmingly factory-processed, with lots of shaking of hands and smiling, all the way onto the ship and to our cabin.
The cabin was a very pleasant surprise. It was bigger than I had been in before and had a huge big round porthole and a spacious bathroom for a ship. (I had to remind myself that I last sailed on a vessel in the late sixties, things had improved since then, with a more discerning and demanding clientele.)
There was a mural on the wall, plenty of cupboard space and a concertina pull-down blind, for privacy at night or in port.
Once we knew where we were going to live, we set off to explore the ship, as the luggage had not yet appeared. There seemed to be stairs and lifts everywhere, we kept meeting other explorers like ourselves, in and out of lounges, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Finally, we felt peckish and popped into a self-service for some lunch. I had to negotiate the menu with my gluten-free problem. We were not very taken by our meal as it was not as hot as it might have been.
However as we were still in port, some staff were being used as luggage porters. We felt they might have been shorthanded and made allowances.
Once fed it was down to the cabin to see if the cases were there so we could unpack. They were, outside the door, but oh dear my husband's ties were hanging out a rip in the case and the handle was a most peculiar shape.
We took them inside the cabin for a better look. It was just as well that it was his case, as mine had many more small objects that might have fallen out during the damage. It looked as if it had fallen from a great height. "Oh well!"
My young man commented "It looks as though we will have to buy a new case when we return to Fort Lauderdale."
I laughed to myself, as so far we had a damaged handbag and a case I wondered what would be next.
That evening we went down to the main restaurant for our meal, we were placed on a table for four. We had asked to be placed on one of six or eight. We sat down and awaited our absent table companions. Alas on the whole cruise, we dined alone, though not without company.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
VAST JOURNEY’S HERE AND THERE
Sailing across the oceans solo, bobbing about in a boat, feeling so very remote.
Yet above my head are trillions of miles of space unexplored as yet.
The planets we have named, those close by can be seen with the telescope's eye.
Those way beyond, twinkle and sparkle, like a diamond-encrusted curtain floating high.
The time it takes on crossing this ocean, seems so very long to me.
Yet journeys above my head, will take years and sometimes longer to reach into eternity.
I content myself with here and now, leaving journeys that will take much longer, for others to follow.
I will be gone, just dust for the wind to blow on to the wide beyond.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
SAILING ALONG
Sailing along in my little blue boat,
Along a river so fine.
Cuddled and cosied along the banks,
By lush green tree branches.
Sailing, sailing,
Till we meet the bright blue skyline.
Out into the freedom and expanse of the sea.
Having a truly most memorable time.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
Have you been called to the Captain's table yet?
If so what is the trick?
I've been trying to work out the formula but nothing seems to click.
Perhaps it's the number of journeys you have made in the past on board this beautiful ship.
Or is it the amount of cash you have already sent, tinkling into their tills.
Which triggers a rapid invitation from the Captain, as he knows; he has to keep well in.
It could be, I am making it much too complicated and it is as simple as taking names out of a hat.
But I wonder if he will take note of mine if I keep on coming back.
NOTE:
Written on a wonderful cruise on the Black Prince.
© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
GOODBYE AND HELLO
Goodbye and hello uttered within hours
Churns up emotions, suppressed and expressed.
Goodbye brings waves of sadness and question.
When will we meet again?
Hello, releases joyous expectations,
Of hugs, kisses, everyone talking at once.
Tinged with the memories of goodbye,
So recently painfully uttered to those left behind.
© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
LATE, LATE
I am running late as I slam the door
Heading up the street at the gallop
To catch a train which will not wait
Or accept excuses for being late.
The meeting was brought forward
Knocked my schedule out the park.
Rushing down the stairs train pass in hand
Just in time to see the train lights vanishing
Along the track.
Home to make apologise and use new tech
To set up a zoom meeting unplanned.
If included I can sit back, notes and coffee in hand.
Relaxed and commercial arguments well planned.
Sometimes there are advantages these days to being late.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
BLOWING AWAY
Fire in my coal hole, steam being made, hissing and wheezing through my engine.
Pushing my wheels round as we clatter importantly along rails.
Brakes softly applied as, screeching gently, we slide around the bend.
Smoke pouring out of my smoke stack, escaping to heat and mix with freezing white air.
Hitting the nearby shrubs and trees, covering them with grey, soot-filled, frozen air.
The excitement of pushing through snow pristine white and clean.
With a whistle blowing to let anyone know who wants to listen that we are here.
As for miles our trusty engine lets the people share the excitement of a journey as its music fills the air.
For those who have never travelled, a sigh, a hope:
“That might be me one day. I will be able to see a warm exotic place and share its romantic journey’s end. For now, speed safely on your journey till, ticket in hand, I can board you on one of your many magical steam train rides.”
© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST
Patiently waiting in this modern age, for the appearance of a magical relic from the Victorian past. It´s arrival was announced, with a triumph shrilling hiss of escaping steam through it’s whistle and the grinding of metal on metal.
A train, a steam train, paintwork, pitch black and shining, brasses gleaming. The name Gabriel worn proudly on it´s side.
Brakes are applied to take a firm grip with shoes not designed to slip. Arriving on rails shiny and new, to show off the craftsmanship of men long gone. Now revitalized by crafts taught and handed on anew.
A triumph of engineering used in various forms of trains transporting people and essential materials used to spread civilizations around the world.
The one I am describing resides in KawaKawa New Zealand.
2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo: Pixabay License
