Ramelton

A row of houses
glowing tall
with modern candles
warming the walls
of the coldest hearts
now burning the glow
of experienced lanterns
in every fog
even the one
bearing down on a quay
bereft of serious activity
for what feels like
a century
this is a quiet town
no longer
a facelift is lifting us all
through new doors
into the future
some believed 
they would never
in a lifetime
see. 

...

Ramelton is an idyllic town that had a golden age as a port for linen. But for years now it has struggled with degradation of its once great buildings. New life has been breathed into the town recently, with a local committee spearheading a drive to save all the characterful buildings they can. Already more commerce has moved in, and with it optimism - whereas before many thought that these changes would never come.  Last night I walked around the town to look at all the new windows and doors that had been installed behind the scaffolding and it inspired these words. 

When I write I try to think about what I find beautiful or important to me and let the words flow. Then, I love thinking about how the writing is structured and play about for a while until I think it's worth saying aloud. I used to think that something had to be perfect before sharing, but it's enjoying the process and showing what I'm happy with that really counts. Having just one person resonate with it is a bonus for which I'm grateful. 

I hope you enjoyed reading it. 

Ciaran