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Nahant: Poetry by the Sea

JOHN LOWELL

JOHN LOWELL        (1919 - 2011) was Nahant Town Moderator from 1962 – 1982.  As a young man, he summered in Nahant with his socially prominent family before becoming a year-round resident.  “Nahant Bay” was included in Written Words by Nahanters, published in 1976 by The Nahant Arts Association and designed to showcase the ‘hidden literary skills” of Nahant residents.  In the poem, Lowell observes the changes over the course of a day in the color, light, and sound of the waters and sky of Nahant.

 

 

 

 

Bright morning sun on shimmering sea Chasing the clouds away, White sails drying in the breeze, Tide rippling on its way. Blustery winds from southwest shore Humming a steady tune, Small vessels tacking to and fro In early afternoon. Placid bay at eventide With the ships come home to rest, Calm setting of the dying sun In the purple of the west. Silver moon riding the eastern sky, Crickets sing their song, Harbor lights flicker in the night, Life quietly moves along.

 

from: Written Words by Nahanters  (Nahant, MA: Nahant Arts Association) 1976.