Aldeburgh

Notes about this poem. The Moot House was erected in the first half of the 16th century originally as Council Chambers. Now it is a museum. It was once in the centre of town but now is almost on the beach, the houses in front of it being lost to the restless sea. The reference to fifty three is to the flood surge in 1953 which did much damage to the East Anglian coast. Aldeburgh is also famous for The Aldburgh Festival started by the composer Benjamin Britten with the singer Peter Pears and the writer Eric Crozier.

The Poem. Aldeburgh.

It was bigger once, two streets of houses gone to sea.

Pebbles, from the bricks no doubt, lie on the shingle spit.

High Street with promenade seems perfectly serene.
It's been this way many years, despite a fright in fifty three.

Grey skies and blue for dominance collide behind the lookout tower.
Proud and old The Moot House stands before the public shower.

Still hauled up, the working boats, left on the moving pebbles.
Old houses, out to sea they look, unique is every one.

Harmonious, shades of pastel painted, why do they fit so well
How calming is the atmosphere, it creates a soothing spell.
Every ones so happy here and for a while were we.