Sunday 2 May 2010

Every Man - a tribute

In memory of Kevin Walker Fenton
Died 8.5.1989 Collision at sea

Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me.
And may there be no moaning
Of the bar, when I put out to sea.

Aged 58 years


Simple and unadorned, this rock stands atop the bluff in memory of a plain man, an every-man. Standing beside the rock, I gazed steadily out to sea wondering what sort of man this was, this Kevin Walker Fenton.

What did he look like? Was he tall, was he fat, was he bald, did he wear a beard? What sort of man would arouse such a dignified feeling of loss? Which friend decided upon the verse? How did they transport and erect the memorial? “Moaning of the bar” did this mean he was a fisherman, or a drinker at the local? It would seem that he was a fatalist. When his time was up, that was how it was meant to be – ‘one clear call’.

How do two boats collide at sea? Standing on the point, with the early morning on-shore breeze caking my face with salt, all that was apparent was the immensity of the Pacific Ocean. What caused two ships to collide at sea? Was Kevin Walker Fenton the only fatality? I nodded sagely as I considered his body to have never been recovered.

Vale Kevin Walker Fenton. May the sunset and evening star continue to chart your journey

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Indeed.

Clytie said...

Wow. It makes me wonder as well ...

RIP Kevin Walker Fenton.

Captain Shagrat said...

Very thought provoking in all respects. What a fantastic place to take the dog a walk, wonder what thoughts they are having too

~Cheryl said...

A perfect spot for a Musing Monument and you did very well! Makes me want to do some research on dear Kevin. Beautiful photo - the colors, framing, and spay on the rocks! Marvelous! I hope your May Day weekend is a great one!

jabblog said...

What a beautiful spot. I find such memorials as these very touching - a small insight into a life, asking more questions than answering.

TheChieftess said...

Lovely...picture and thoughts...

jennyfreckles said...

A beautiful photo with the rim-lighting on the man and dog. What a peaceful spot and a lovely memorial.

brattcat said...

Not only to be remembered, to have one's name spoken into the void, but to be created anew by each person who sees that stone and takes a moment to wonder.

Ann said...

Touching memorial in a beautiful spot.

Joan Elizabeth said...

The memorial has been made all the more interesting because of your musings.

Katherine said...

Such a beautiful spot to have a memorial...and a very beautiful photo too!

Chuckeroon said...

'morning, Julie, mate! It's time I dropped a stone into the pool. You drop enough into mine!! Greetings, always.

Piyush Garyali said...

Beautiful spot. May his soul rest it peace.

diane b said...

Where is the Bluff? It is a great scene and place for a seaman's memorial.

Julie said...

At Bermagui with Horseshoe Bay on the right hand side going out to its peninsula. On the left, out of sight, is the entry to the fisherman's wharf.

T. Becque said...

This is nice, and contemplative with the man walking away.

Mary Ann said...

Wow, I want to be in that picture. I think it must be the light? Or maybe it's that on that spot, someone has been remembered with so much tenderness and love.

Julie said...

MA, this headland is forever transfigured by the simplicity of this memorial. It has a immense impact on the casual observer. Well, on THIS casual observer.