The family were from Glasgow; the song was The Plooman Laddies.
Where this occurred: Musselwick Mouth
I decided I needed the late evening sea,
Though the day had blown rainy and a low sky ragged grey.
So, off to the shore with the needs for a swim:
It might be near ten, but I had to go in!
On the dark rocks a Scottish family I met:
Like me, not concerned by clouds threatening wet.
They too the Atlantic had mistybreath called;
We soon in the glasswater waves, one and all.
Then afterwards, fast learnt our whos and where froms,
Wise mother and fair daughter, they started a song:
In Scots words to Gael tune that Welsh cove they charmed –
An old air: young love betwixt families who farmed.
No harmonies: just the same melody, twice;
How strong the haunt, though quiet each voice.
Simply, the notes seemed to rise and to fall;
But in each repeat such strong feelings to tell.
It is so often said, “You had to be there”;
Well, no-one else was, so I only can share
With these words quite inadequate, what was for me
Timeless enchantment by the late evening sea.
© Christopher Jessop 2023
