Winter walk in Courtown Harbour  by Mick O Callaghan
I strolled down the south pier in Courtown.
On a cool and windy December evening.
I see a white teddy bear hanging from the railing
Lit by its own solar powered lighting
With accompanying white notice
I stroll across to read its contents.
It’s the Samaritans messaging.
Spreading A light in the darkness
Reminding people who might be troubled.
To remember
That their family and friends love them
Written in striking emboldened green lettering
With their text hello 50808 number in stark red
And Samaritans on 116123 written underneath also in red
It’s a message of hope and love here at water’s edge.
Meanwhile the waves coming in off the Irish sea.
Are all thunderously rolling on to the sandy shore
 And powering their waters up the canal.
Where the huge swell makes navigation impossible.
There is no inward or outward shipping traffic.
Along the pier the empty fish boxes
Lie piled up, neatly caged away.
The few boats in the harbour bob up and down.
In the choppy waters of the inner harbour.
It is a bleak scene with an icy wintry breeze.
Blowing its chilly breath across the waters.
All walkers are feeling the Baltic blast.
Though well wrapped up, Michelin person style,
Heavy coats, gloves, hats, and snoods
Were all the rage in the harbour fashion stakes
With people treading the quay wall walk.
Across the bay the lifeboat house is open
Yellow light flickers across the water
Reflecting and flickering on a white boat in the bay
I walk around to the North pier.
The area is awash with festive lights.
The summer cone machines lie dormant.
Safely wrapped up in the locked-up kiosk.
The Christmas crib is now in place.
With its protective vandal proof Perspex front
While the Christmas tree is delivered
Waiting to be dressed up in all its finery.
With its lights and decorations
To show off its festive fashion regalia.
The amusement arcade looks bright and cheery.
Now transformed into a winter wonderland.
The Taravie Hotel is all aglow with Christmas lights.
Hanging like icicles looking so bright
A well-lit tree highlights the corner.
As I walk down towards the lifeboat house
Where the volunteers are busily engaged
Stringing lights along the roof
To give their base it’s festive glow.
Courtown has entered the festive season.
With its welcoming well-lit Christmas environment
Bringing lots of festive bonhomie
Conviviality, geniality, and cheer to you and me.