Well Worn

The paint is well worn, symbolic
of the journeys through night, salt water and storms,
a sign of age and use,
You can tell, even from a distance
this is no pleasure craft. It is a working boat
rich in old ropes, tired nets, and tools of the trade,
Not exactly picturesque, but drawing the eye nonetheless,
a thing of purpose, well executed.

It is odd, the way you feel one with such craft.
Afloat. Not pretty. A working craft,
Barely noticed by tourists, but still,
useful. Missed only when you do not set out
to sea, or fail to come back.

About this poem

I have always been attracted to the well worn. Don’t ask me why. A kinship perhaps.

The picture was taken in Provincetown, Mass. You may purchase prints of this photograph here.

Tom