The Cockler's Rest

Gaze out on a summers day, 
A sight to see,  a sight so fine
From Old Leigh along the Ray,
The Cockle boats were all in a line

And he's headed out towards the sun
And back to the place from whence he'd come

Cockle Boats just take your time    
One of yours is gone before
Slide out gently in a line  
He’s resting on that distant shore

The boats they move so silently  
As through the gentle waves they make
And overhead the mourning cry  
Of gulls that follow in their wake

Their precious cargo it is borne  
And scattered forth, now there’s no trace
The wind and water join to form   
The Cockler’s final resting place

 

Tony Prior  -  August ‘96